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Roaches multiply quickly, which is why an infestation can spread so fast. Female American cockroaches lay about 12 eggs in each egg case, called an ootheca. They can lay six to 14 ootheca during their short lifespan. German cockroaches lay four to five ootheca in their lifetime, with each carrying 20 to 40 eggs. Many roaches can have 100 to over 200 offspring during their lifespan.

Cockroaches are attracted to the smell of food. They're particularly attracted to grease, meat, cheese, sugar, and starch. Any rotten food such as fruits or vegetables puts off a strong odor that attracts the pests as well. Even dirty clothing can be enticing for cockroaches, which is why they're often found in laundry baskets.

Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell and are deterred by a variety of scents. Some of the most effective smells for repelling them include peppermint oil, coffee grounds, white vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, and predator urine. They also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based sprays an effective repellent for areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a spray from garlic and vinegar and apply it daily. Additionally, squirrels dislike strong, fresh scents, so placing items like strong-smelling soaps or dryer sheets in areas they frequent can also help keep them away.

The full process of using a rat exterminator can take several weeks. If you have a larger infestation, the exterminator may need to return several times to collect rats. The timeline of your rat eradication depends on the infestation size and type of treatment, so consult a rat exterminator to get an accurate estimate for your specific issue.