What are my legal rights and responsibilities regarding pesticides and termites in my apartment?

Earlier this week I had a swarm of flying insects in my kitchen, which living in Florida, I wasn't at all surprised. Their wings fell off and I merely swept up their bodies and wings and placed them in the garbage. Most of them were dying or already dead.

My landlord informed me within the next day or so that they would be spraying for insects while I was at work. After, I did notice a slight odor, but only in my kitchen around the stove.

That night and the next, I slept with my windows closed and my air running. The next two mornings, I was disgusted to find strings of saliva in my mouth, which I had to pull out with my fingers and throw away. I didn't feel sick in any way, although I remember being a little dizzy at work. I told my co-workers and family about the saliva thing, and tried to figure out what had caused it. It wasn't until the third night that I connected the bug spraying. I left my windows open that night and did not have any problems the next morning.

Today, I found an insect under my sofa cushion, which prompted me to do a little research. I discovered the insect to be the same as the flying ones - they were termites. (I saved this bug in a container to ID it)

All of these events have me worried and disgusted. I live in Florida so I'm used to cockroaches and all other kinds of insects, but the fact that my landlord did not inform me of a termite infestation or about the strength of the chemicals used (and obviously did not allow proper ventilation after spraying), has me concerned. The fact that the termite was crawling under the cushion where I was sitting is not only gross, but shows that the infestation is probably severe. It makes me uncomfortable to live here.

Do I have any legal rights and what should I do?

DrDontheTermiteGuy2011-05-01T03:59:34Z

Favorite Answer

Talk with the landlord. Ask for copies of the work order or treatment certificate. Contact the company and ask to speak with the technician. If necessary, contact the chemical manufacturer. If still unsettled, post another question.

Tiny Tim2011-05-01T09:13:35Z

LOL! enjoy- - the petroleum industry dumps these things called PESTICIDE-
top get rid of them- you spray them- and THAT'S DISPOSAL!!
YOU pay THEM to EAT their WASTE!!!