Pest Controller Offering People $2,000 To Release Cockroaches In Their Homes To See What Happens

A pest control company is hoping to develop its methods of removal by paying volunteers $2,000 (£1,600) to release cockroaches into their own homes.

It probably goes without saying that not many people would be willing to share their home with cockroaches on a usual basis, but even I have to admit that the deal sounds a lot better if you think of it as receiving hundreds of dollars in rent from your tiny tenants.

As someone who struggles to deal with anything more than a fruit fly, that's really saying something.

The company doesn't specify exactly what this technique will be, but it is hoping the study will allow it to 'gauge how effective this treatment is'. It also mentions that it will be releasing around 100 American cockroaches into the chosen homes for 'approximately 30 days', so you better hope the treatment is effective.

Participants will be required to give The Pest Informer permission to 'film and test our a specific cockroach treatment' as the company searches for 'the newest and greatest ways to get rid of pests (cockroaches specifically)'.

It's unclear why the company couldn't test the technique in less invasive locations, but maybe cockroaches are more determined to make themselves at home when they know someone is actually living there?

Anyone looking to earn the $2,000 can apply through The Pest Informer's website, though there are some limitations as to who can take part.

First of all, you must 'own the home or have written approval from the homeowner', so you can't go sending 100 cockroaches to an ex's house for revenge or to a sibling as a cruel prank.

On top of that, you must be 21 years or older and located in the Continental United States.

The company has assured that the treatments tested throughout the study will be 'family and pet safe', and you have to be able to hold your nerve against the little creatures because the company stresses you 'must not try any additional cockroach treatments during the duration of the study'.

If the treatments prove unsuccessful by the time the 30 days comes to an end, The Pest Informer assures it will use 'traditional cockroach treatment options' at no cost, leaving your house just as pest-free as they found it.