Woman vs. Bugs

October 1985: Deciding that a single can of bug spray hadn't been enough, Marilyn Lucas set off 15 cans simultaneously. The resulting explosion blew the roof off her house. The bugs survived.

Fort Worth Star Telegram - Oct 30, 1985

     Posted By: Alex - Mon Aug 31, 2020
     Category: Insects and Spiders | 1980s





Comments
There was a local episode caused by a gas leak + pilot lights while the people were away. The front wall of the house was blown flat onto the front yard. If you drove by, you would see what looked like a full-scale dollhouse, with all the furniture perfectly arranged.
Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 08/31/20 at 08:19 AM
Instructions for use? We don't need no stinking instructions for use!
Posted by KDP on 08/31/20 at 11:18 AM
Her frustrations ran high, high up into the roof. I feel her pane.
Posted by Jessica on 08/31/20 at 12:07 PM
Typical that a woman would use poison; googling 'flamethrower to kill spiders' shows men prefer a more hands-on approach.

The newspaper article, like all of its ilk, doesn't answer one question: how much did her actions really cost her? Some insurance companies take the view that damage caused by the homeowner isn't covered, so at the very least, they'll haggle over what they'll pay.

While I can't say it was this way back in 1985, foggers, and many other insecticides, now carry the warning: "It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling." Some state laws say insurance companies can't pay for damage caused by a homeowner's illegal actions. While the laws might have been meant to stop claims from meth labs, fireworks manufacturing, et al, they apply equally to acts of stupidity.
Posted by Phideaux on 08/31/20 at 02:48 PM
Somebody says cockroaches will be the only living thing on Earth after a nuclear apocalypse. They would feed on fruitcakes. Nothing ever destroys the fruitcake; it is rumored that after one bite, the fruitcake heals itself.
Posted by Yudith on 09/01/20 at 05:44 AM
Mythbusters, Season 3, Episode 10 covered this one. They found it took DOZENS of bug bombs to create the correct fuel to air mixture to be of any danger.
Posted by John S on 09/03/20 at 03:00 PM
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