Help!!! Family is calling in exterminator Crab is down!

[Bozofoot]

Hi,
I've never used a forum before, but I am desperate.
I have been caring for my daughter's hermie for 12 years, I love the little guy and named him Mr Krebs. He's really big now and I've done fine with him until now:
My eldest and her husband came on hard times and we let them move in and they brought their boxes 'home' and caused a roach infested horror zone and my husband called in an exterminator.
I am panicking because I haven't had Mr Krebs all these years by luck ... I read and watch him and leave him alone when he molts.
The bug Guy told my hubby to just cover the tank with wet towels. Hubby and adult Lodgers who brought the bugs think Mr Krebs takes second seat to their bug mess.
Has anybody out there ever had this situation? Is the exterminator correct about wet towels ... I have never dealt with so many little bugs in my kitchen.
I don't want to disturb Mr Krebs him and my other pet buddies come first, in my opinion.
Please, any suggestions to save my buddy Mr Krebs??
Thank you.

[wodesorel]

The ideal situation is that you move him and his tank out of the house. If he's molting or it's not physically possibly, then sealing the tank up as completely as possible is the next best thing.

A wet towel is a good idea, it creates a breathable seal. If you're having the house fogged though it won't be enough. If the bug guy is just spraying, it should be fine though.

The other option is to get a big sheet of plastic, like a drop cloth for painting, and tape it all the way around the tank to seal it tight. You can leave it like that for maybe a full day to keep any chemicals out.

[Bozofoot]

Thank you Wodesoral.
I cannot dig Mr Krebs up. My family doesn't understand how dangerous this is.
The exterminator told my husband to keep all pets out of the house for 2 hours as he is spraying the entire house.
My husband and son-in-law are afraid to move the forty gallon tank due to weight and fear of it breaking.
I shall wrap and seal the tank very well and then wait as Mr Krebs is not due up until March as per his recent molting schedules ... he likes to go down under for about 3.5 months.
Thank you so much. I truly believe too many people don't understand hermit crabs (my family) and now I have a place where people appreciate hermit crabs.
Thank you again.

[amood]

Hi there. I have been through a similar situation. I have a 40 gallon with three very loved crabs. The home went through a terrible ant infestation. I called the local exterminator but was so worried if this would affect my crabs. The exterminator indicated that they would spray the house and as long as the tank is sealed during that time, they would be fine. They even came to my house prior to exterminating to look at my tank set up. Happily, my crabs are just fine. We actually had the house sprayed on three separate occasions to finalize the infestation and all crabs are still thriving. It’s been over 6 months since the last spray and they are still happy as can be. To seal the tank, I used damp towels and heavy blankets. Hope this helps!

[Bozofoot]

Thank you so much amood for your kindness.
I am so glad to know that your three crabs are thriving.
The exterminator comes Wednesday. I will definitely use all of the wisdom that I've been given to keep Mr Krebs nice and undisturbed during his molt.
I am feeling much better knowing this is manageable without disturbing my sweet Mr Krebs.

[RiNiKy506]

Everyone has already given you the best tips, I just wanted to wish you luck. It’s hard when your family/others don’t understand how much you love your pets, no matter what kind they are. I hope everything goes well for you and Mr. Krebs. <3