Could use an opinion

[nancy324]

Last year we had an infestation of moths in our bedroom closets. There was a lot of time and expense involved in dealing with the problem. The exterminator we called was excellent, but all the clothes in both closets had to be dry cleaned and it was rather expensive.

Yesterday I went to the dry cleaner and she told me that the apartment above us brought in some clothes that are all moth-eaten. They dropped the clothes off and left, and the dry cleaner didn't notice it until later. So the people upstairs probably don't know they have the problem yet.

I mentioned to my husband that I'd like to slip the exterminator card under their door with a note letting them know we had the same problem, because I am concerned that somehow the moths will spread to us again if they don't do something about it fast.

DH says we should not let them know that we know. I say, big deal, there's no embarrassment in having moths. So what if they know that we know.

I know this has been long and wordy, but if you've read this far, what do you think? How would you feel if your downstairs neighbor informed you that you had moths and gave you the name of an exterminator?

Also, they're not very nice people and I don't want to get the dry cleaner in trouble. All suggestions gladly accepted.

Thanks.
-Nancy

 

[dhcsim]

I would let them know. They will travel back to you when the people upstairs "zap" them. One time the neighbors down stairs moved in w/ 10 - 15 gallon plants and we didn't know they were roach infested until they threw them away. For like 2 months I was getting roaches everywhere and couldn't figure it out until I saw the plants in the trash. Did the dry cleaning lady mention to the neighbor that you have had them?

 

[nancy324]

Heather, I don't think she's had the chance to tell them yet. She has to wait for them to come back in and pick up their clothes to tell them. How awful about the roaches!!

 

[dhcsim]

What about the management. Can/have you approached them or would they consider it "your" problem? They should be the ones paying to get rid of them.

 

[jdoll]

i think the neighbors may get upset that the dry cleaners mentioned it to you. if you say something about it....even though you would be trying to help, your dry cleaner could lose business or get chewed out. i would let the cleaners mention it to their customer/your neighbor and include the business card of the exterminator with the receipt...ya know like..." i noticed that your clothes have been moth-eaten. here's the card of a great exterminator in case you are interested."


jes

 

[clareMc]

I think Nancy that your way to deal with it is extremely sensitive and discreet.

Whether they are nice people or not, there would be nothing reprehensible about your action of kindness and neighbourliness.

Go ahead. If it were me, I'd want to know and save myself so much money.

Clare

 

[Nadine]

I think Jes has a great idea. You wouldn't want to get the Dry Cleaner in trouble and have him lose business.

If he gives them the business card saying others have had good success with this exterminator and getting rid of moths is an excellent idea--I always have trouble choosing a business if I haven't had any recomendations.

Nadine

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[Carol_is_fit]

I don't think the dry cleaner should have violated your neighbors' privacy in the first place by telling you they had moths in their clothes. If you say anything to the neighbors, they will know the dry cleaners told you that and depending on how these people feel about such things, you both could find yourselves in trouble. I'm only saying this because people seem to be nuts these days and will try to make legal trouble for anyone at the drop of a hat. But be that as it may, it really was not the dry cleaner's place to tell anyone your neighbors had moths in their clothes. I'm sure they meant well of course. There is no easy answer to this one. I totally understand your not wanting to go through having to get an exterminator again, but your neighbors deserve their privacy as well. I know how I would feel if I found out my local dry cleaner told one of my neighbors what was on my clothes. Not an easy situtation, and I hope it works out for you, Nancy.

Carol

 

[nancy324]

Thanks for your replies, guys.

The dry cleaner said there have been several incidents in our building, so I just sent an email to the co-op board president and told him about the situation without naming the other apartment or the dry cleaner. I suggested that we post some information on the building's website making everyone aware of the problem.

If necessary, I'll take further steps.

-Nancy

 

[red_mct]

I would also be concerned that they'd think you spread the moths to them.

I like Jes's suggestion as well as contacting the co-op board. Clearly it is or is becoming a global issue in the building. I hope you guys work it out.

As an aside, can you prevent moths with mothballs or cedar lining? Just curious....

Marie

 

[DebbieH]

Hi Nanc! Could you possibly approach them saying, "I don't know if you guys are having a problem, but we had a bad problem with moths and were able to clear it up by using this company. Just tell them you thought you'd mention it to them without stating that you KNOW they have a problem. Does that makes sense?
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH (AKA "Den Mother Debbie")http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!