Odd query, yet I have to ask...

[BURKE89]

I hate rodents & roaches (any little thing that moves quickly); so, are these little fellers more prevalent in the FSU, than in the States or Europe, for that matter?

I simply despise the thought of something crawling upon me, once slumber hits, of course. You gentlemen don't need to know of my perimeter bug-defence *smile*; however, I'd appreciate any thoughts on the subject.

I start to go back to my uncle's statements during WWII, in N. Africa & S. Italy: "Vaughn, the bugs were worse than the Krauts, I almost had a nervous breakdown... (primarily in Tunisia).

Long story short: I share his convictions - to a certain degree.

So...

[Deckard]

... in response to Odd query,  yet I have to ask..., posted by BURKE89 on Apr 27, 2003

the insects, not the wooden planes I mean, kept bothering me during my sleeping during part of the summer I was there.

I had to rub repellant I had bought at REI in the states, over any surface of the body not covered, and this includes fingers and eyelids! If I did not, I would pay for it the next day.

My advice to anyone, do not go to Ukraine, and especially not Crimea, without bringing insect repellant with you. Otherwise you may not be able to sleep!

As for rodents, saw a couple of rats while there which startled me, but I think I startled them more . And this was while outdoors.

With the family I stayed with, cleaning the entire kitchen and dining room daily and the rest of the house every Saturday was routine, you'd be hard pressed to find a speck of dust there more than a week old, let alone anything cockroaches could survive off of.

Peace,

-Deckard

[BURKE89]

... in response to Mosquitos, posted by Deckard on Apr 27, 2003

[This message has been edited by BURKE89]

Yet, now that the decent English gentleman has created: a cacophony of 'militaristic' bugs - in my mind: I shall choose the liberal course, indeed.

Thanks...

[Zink]

... in response to Odd query,  yet I have to ask..., posted by BURKE89 on Apr 27, 2003

First time I ever saw a cockroach was in Volgograd. One of the poorer apartments I rented. There were occasionally ants, spiders or flies in some of the other apartments. Mosquitoes in southern Russia in the summer can be nasty. They love the damp, cool stairwells. Everytime I entered or left my apartment I let in dozens of them. And yet on the street they weren't that noticable. Right now I'm focused on the far east and I can't travel to some of the areas I want to in June because of ticks carrying encephalitis. I didn't find the bugs to be a big problem in the cities. I've never seen a mouse or any sign of them in my apartments. But my girlfriend tells me that one visits her almost every day in the library where she works.

[BURKE89]

... in response to Re: Odd query,  yet I have to ask..., posted by Zink on Apr 27, 2003

No problema; however, I've a solution for the Russian library: a cat! Funny angle - here in New Mexico - is, in the fact, that a local power plant (PNM) recently allowed a few felines in the three state-wide facilities.

I can't imagine California 'allowing' such a simple solution; yet, the rodent issues were solved within a week.

Thanks, though...

[wsbill]

... in response to Re: Odd query,  yet I have to ask..., posted by Zink on Apr 27, 2003

Also, seems like those cool and damp stairwells that I visited often smell of piss, no doubt either it was from the pet animals or one drunk dude.  You decide.. Going to the girls flat was interesting climb up the stairs on the inside every stair step was a different size in height and light bulbs lighting the way was a rarity in the hallway.

She lived on the outskirts of Kiev:

97a Golosiivs'ky Prospekt

Let me ask you guys is this the poor or rich part of town?
She didn't live in one of those huge high rises but in a much small one that looked pretty old on the outside.

I'd loved to hear from some of those guys that know about that area of town.  When she pointed to where she lived at is was off the Kiev map, but only about 10 minutes by cab.

[Bobby Orr]

... in response to Odd query,  yet I have to ask..., posted by BURKE89 on Apr 27, 2003

Bugs are not so much of a problem.  However, ticks are a big problem in the south of Russia, especially in May, June, July and August.  Mosquitos are a pain in the rear in Ukraine and South Russia in the summer.  I have had not spotted a mouse in any dwelling I have been in, and I have been in a wide range.  I am sure they are around but at a low / rarely detected level.  Other bugs are around, but not so bad.  Cockaroaches have not been prevalent in my experience.  My Russian friends only tend to use that term when describing their neighbors in the far east.

[BURKE89]

... in response to Bugs are there, posted by Bobby Orr on Apr 27, 2003

Thanks for takin' the time to answer my 'foolish' question.

Wou've never had a problem in a flat, with Podz's 'scurry' concept?

I'll even give a couple of square miles of Arizona - back, for their extraction.

Lates...

[Mr Robert]

... in response to Bugs are there, posted by Bobby Orr on Apr 27, 2003

Thanks for this bit of information Bobby. You seem well informed.

[Bobby Orr]

... in response to Bugs are there, posted by Bobby Orr on Apr 27, 2003

Make sure you bring spray with you when you go over there.

[Rags]

... in response to Odd query,  yet I have to ask..., posted by BURKE89 on Apr 27, 2003

I have never seen any cockroaches anywhere in my travels in the FSU. The closest to a bug infestation was the ants in Crimea.
No worries, Mate!

[BURKE89]

... in response to Re: Cockroaches, posted by Rags on Apr 27, 2003

[tim360z]

... in response to Odd query,  yet I have to ask..., posted by BURKE89 on Apr 27, 2003

You can find them nearly anywhere worldwide.  They can survive in most climates and thrive in warmth and in proximity to a food source.  They are not fussy and will eat anything.  They love to travel.  They reside in the very best of neighborhoods and in the very best of homes.  While they may be controlled to varying degree, seldom can they be erradicated.  If a building is isolated,  then one has the best chance.  That meaning there are no adjacent buildings contaminated.  Then the buggers can be baited,  nests can be discovered, walls and floors then removed to destroy any nests or larvae.  Pricey.  But,  well worth it.  Once a city block has been infected, at best one can only try control, with varying degrees of success.  However,  they reproduce at such a prodigious rate,  that keeping them in control is a regular chore. Entemogically speaking...they are the ultimate survivor.  If in travel they make you quesy,  I suggest some good misquito netting.  That should work.

[BURKE89]

... in response to Cockroaches?, posted by tim360z on Apr 27, 2003

What you're saying is totally logical; however, here in N.M. - unlike California - it isn't the volume, but the size. These SOB's are large, with no sustainable food- source ( seperated 1940's homes, no water, concerned neighbors, no humidity, etc).

So, 'Mosquit... netting' can protect against the ultimate survivor?'

Hmm...

Thanks for your comments, though.

[Pordzhik]

... in response to Odd query,  yet I have to ask..., posted by BURKE89 on Apr 27, 2003

In them huge centrally heated soviet apartment blocks, you could find yourself in the cleanest well kept flat, but they'll always find a way in from the neighbours. Don't worry, they soon scurry away when you turn the light on.

Certainly more prevalent than here in England, but not more so than say Germany or Italy, I can't say about US.

Didn't see any signs of rodents though.