[mpolichette]

I have the same rules

[thaumasiotes]

That set of rules is as restrictive as it's possible to be. What is the operational difference between "cockroaches are free to live in my house, but they must remain unseen at all times" and "cockroaches are forbidden from living in my house"?

[ysavir]

My approach is they're free to do whatever as long as they keep out of my way. That is, they're welcome to set up webs in ceiling corners, or in hard-to-reach areas that I forget exist. But if they try setting up a web near a place I frequent or things I often use, I'll give them a forceful relocation.

[dclowd9901]

One might perform “preventative” measures like spraying for pests. This would be operationally different from killing them only when seen.

[amalcon]

Traps. Mechanical, glue, poison, etc, are all available and don't care if you see the critter before doing what they do.

I won't use them for anything that doesn't pose a structural threat to my house (i.e. termites), but others do.

[iambateman]

I think the parent was joking.

[canadiantim]

Optimism.