Pest control disclosures

[newbie_1234]

What is the name of your state? California

We recently completed escrow on a property. During escrow, we did general inspection, A/C inspection and termite inspection.
After we got the house, we discovered that the house has had significant roach infestation issues for 3+ years. We can still see some live insects in the house.

We hired an exterminator to spray inside and outside, before we move in.

Is the seller liable for not disclosing this during escrow ?
If so, what is our recourse ?

 

[STEPHAN]

Did the seller know about the problem? Did he live at the house? Why did you not inspect for roaches?

 

[newbie_1234]

Yes, the seller knew about the problem and lived in the house for 12 years.
We did not specifically inspect for roaches, since we did not see any visible signs of infestation. We noticed a smell, under the kitchen sink, but thinking it was moisture issues, checked for that. Turns out, the moisture issues caused the roach problem to grow for the seller... There were no current moisture issues.

 

[LdiJ]

Yes, the seller knew about the problem and lived in the house for 12 years.
We did not specifically inspect for roaches, since we did not see any visible signs of infestation. We noticed a smell, under the kitchen sink, but thinking it was moisture issues, checked for that. Turns out, the moisture issues caused the roach problem to grow for the seller... There were no current moisture issues.

Moisture has absolutely nothing to do with roaches. A roach infestation happens because a roach ends up in the house from an outside source and it goes from there.