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Common house roaches, typically American cockroaches or Periplaneta americana, usually live for around one year. The male American cockroaches survive for about one year, although the females may live up to 700 days. That’s because the reproductive cycle alone can last around 600 days for this type of cockroach.

The best termite treatment depends on your specific infestation, home, and budget. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most common professional treatments are soil-applied barrier treatments, like liquid termiticides, and termite baits. Bait stations are placed in the soil and work by moving poison back into the colony to kill the queen. For infestations that haven't fully taken root, barriers and targeted termiticides are often the most effective options. Additionally, preventative measures such as moisture removal and installing physical barriers to protect vulnerable wood are important, particularly during construction or remodeling. It is best to work with a termite professional to determine the right treatment for your situation.

Whether dryer sheets can keep squirrels away is a bit of a mystery because the evidence is entirely anecdotal. Many households claim to have success with using dryer sheets for keeping squirrels away by placing them throughout their attics, yards, on a clothesline, and any other area where squirrels like to run through. Squirrels do not like strong scents, so if you try using dryer sheets, the ones with the strongest scent may be the most effective.

Once the animals and their young are out of the house, remove the nest and locate any entry points. Some may be difficult to find because some animals can fit through very small holes. Once you’ve located as many entry points as possible, use materials such as metal or masonry to block off the entry. Ideally, you should choose materials that most animals cannot chew through. Create a one-way door or flap to allow animals to leave but not return. Additional methods include using repellants designed to make an area unappealing to the types of animals that find your home so inviting.