[wellheld]

Hi, I always used Raid against cockroaches, spray under all furniture and at any possible entrance points. this includes the drains/plug holes/overflow, keep them covered if you can. Don't forget to spray by the front door too. You know you're winning when the dead ones get smaller and smaller.
For flies, blue zapper lights work well, as long as the door/windows are closed. You must be able to get them in Egypt because Ive seen them used in loads of places. Spray the rooms before you go out and close all the doors (a/c off) to have a fly free home when you return. You really don't want to breathe that stuff in.
I've not encountered the whites/sand/chlorox issue (and we had sand in Alexandria and the western desert), but sand is an abrasive and will put more wear and tear on fabrics in the washer. So my suggestion would be shake to remove as much as possible then either pre wash or put on a couple of rinse cycles before the main wash. Bleach will discolour man made fibres ( you get grubby whites, use net curtain whitener) and should only be used on natural fabric like cotton or linen, and then only if needed. Oxygen bleach is ok. When I use it I put it in with the washing powder. Remove general sand stains with washing soap.
I used an ant killer that came as a liquid and you put a drop onto a penny, the ants took it back to the nest and it poisoned them all. It worked VERY WELL. I think it was called Nippon. Will check on that.
See you soon. Yippee!!!!!!!!!!! Helen X