The Dreaded…Cockroach

By Michelle Schnaars

Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you clean. Even after pulling everything out of the kitchen, bathroom, even the entire house, there is still a problem with roaches.  You might be wondering how they’re getting in.  Some roaches come in with the groceries, I know -pretty disgusting thought, others can crawl through weather stripping.  Michael Piacenza of Advantage Pest Control explains in his video clip we need to seal the home tightly using weather stripping, caulk, or expandable foam.

Although there are more than 4,000 different species, only a few pose a nuisance in the home.  The three we are dealing with are most likely the American cockroach, the German cockroach, and or the Oriental cockroach.  While all three are pesky and cause health problems, the German cockroach, which is often infesting homes and other places, is very resistant to commonly used household pesticides which makes it difficult to get rid of them.  However, there are natural repellents that are proving successful in repelling these unwanted visitors.  Jaipi Sixbear tells us in her article that bay leaves “discourage roaches from coming out to play.”  Place them on counter-top corners, inside kitchen cabinets, and throughout your home where ever you’ve seen a roach.  Other natural repellents include catnip, garlic, and of all things –beer. 

Garlic can be used in a few different ways to help repel roaches.  In powder form, it can be placed along borders, and on top of kitchen cabinets, as well as inside cabinets.  You can also make a garlic and water solution which can be either sprayed around your home, or directly on the roaches.  The reason garlic works is because roaches do not like strong odors or tastes.

You have to keep in mind that some of these natural remedies create odors that are also overwhelming for humans. You might want to try one over another to find what not only works at repelling the roaches, but also helps to maintain a comfortable home environment.  Another thing to remember is dead roaches, or any bug for that matter, must be removed immediately, because bugs do feed off of the remains. 

The first line of defense against roaches is prevention.  Keep food and water sources as minimal as possible. Check your home for leaking pipes, and other water sources, and have leaks repaired as soon as possible.  Never leave food out over night -unless it is sealed in an air-tight food storage container.

Following these preventive steps will also help to repel roaches:

Everyone should eat at the dining or kitchen table. Eating snacks or meals in front of the T.V. leads to the possibility of crumbs getting in the couch and on floors, and stuck in carpets. This invites roaches and other pests. If there is snack or meal time in front of the T.V. then vacuum immediately. 

• Vacuum floors and carpets at least once a week. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in a tightly sealed bag, and immediately take out to the trash can or skip. 
• Clean kitchen daily, washing dishes, counter tops and sink. 
• Keep garbage in a bag inside a trashcan with a tight fitting lid.
• Clean bathrooms at least once a week.
• Store food in insect-proof containers such as glass jars or sealable plastic containers.
• Remove trash, newspapers, magazines, boxes, and other items that provide a hiding place for roaches and other pests.

I feel confident that when you follow these steps, and use anyone of these natural remedies you will rid your home of these detestable unwanted visitors.

References:

1. Michael Piacenza, Effective Natural Roach Repellent. http://www.ehow.com/way_5712154_effective-natural-roach-repellent.html

2. Jaipi Sixbear, Go Green with Natural Roach Repellents. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1647709/go_green_with_natural_roach_repellents.html?cat=32

Tip: Did you know that Bay Leaves also repel parasites, as well as mice? You can crush bay leaves and leave the bits around your kitchen floor, inside kitchen cabinets, and inside dresser drawers.  You can also tape a leaf to the lid of your flower, sugar, and other food storage containers to keep unwanted bugs out, and your family healthy! 

Career Opportunity

Job Profile
TITLE: Cleaner
REPORTING TO: Tammy Stieber, CEO

LOCATION: Burlington and Mercer Counties in New Jersey

BACKGROUND: Dirt Dissolvers is licensed, bonded, and insured. Our attention to detail produces excellent and quick results. Founder and operator Tammy Stieber considers Dirt Dissolvers a “labor of love”, and each cleaner provides a consistent and thorough cleaning.

Ms. Stieber worked in the industry for thirteen years before starting her own company in 2003. It was her vision to create a team oriented environment with competitive pay, and the opportunity for advancement. Fast forward seven years later, and Dirt Dissolvers has grown to employ three professionally trained cleaners and one office staff employee. Dirt Dissolvers manages diverse contracts such as residential homes, religious facilities, commercial sites, executive apartments, post construction clean-outs, and medical offices.

JOB DESCRITION:
• A Dirt Dissolvers cleaner will maintain residential and commercial cleaning contracts. Following Dirt Dissolvers high standards you will clean residential and commercial sites.

EXPERIENCE
Experience in home cleaning or commercial cleaning. Dirt Dissolvers will provide additional training which will prepare you to work with a team or individually.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
• Email resume, with three professional references, to Tammy Stieber at DirtDissolvers@gmail.com, with Dirt Dissolvers in the subject line.

The First Step in Clean: Becoming Organized

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When do I sleep? How am I going to make time for my family, or myself? I’m behind on household chores. Something has to give!

A critical part of maintaining an organized home is to maintain a clean home, Dirt Dissolvers is here to help toward that end. Our cleaners create a clean and airy environment. Reliable service is what you can expect from us. Our Home Cleaning Service schedule is flexible and meets your family’s needs: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one time.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” ~Mark Twain

Let’s face it, we all breathe easier when the household chores are accomplished, and we can take some much needed down-time. With Dirt Dissolvers you gain an extra pair of hands. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, you gain peace of mind when you choose Dirt Dissolvers. It is our policy to provide quick positive results.

Because of the excellent services we provide, most of our business comes from referrals. Read what our clients have to say:

“Thanks for your prompt and thorough service. I was amazed at how little your service cost. I appreciate your honesty and integrity!” ~Mel G.
“Thank you so much! We haven’t enjoyed our living room like this in years. It seems so much more comfortable now! My family is quite happy. Thanks!” ~Tina B
“Thank you so much for making my home glow before our big party. It has never looked so good. I couldn’t believe how quickly you had everything clean!”
-Elizabeth M.
“I work a full-time job, and have a family of five. Dirt Dissolvers is the only way I am able to keep up with everything. It really is impossible to be “super woman” –there really is no such thing. Hiring Dirt Dissolvers was one of the wisest decisions I have made for myself and my home.” ~Kayla B. Mt. Holly

We’re ready to serve you. Please call us at 609.496.1758, or send email to tstieber74@gmail.com.

About Dirt Dissolvers and Founder/Operator Tammy Stieber

At Dirt Dissolvers we understand the importance of first impressions and the impact they have on your business. A critical part of maintaining a professional workplace is to maintain a clean workplace. Dirt Dissolvers provides a successful and professional office cleaning service for commercial locations in Burlington and Mercer Counties.

Dirt Dissolvers is licensed, bonded, and insured. Our attention to detail produces excellent and quick results. Founder and operator Tammy Stieber considers Dirt Dissolvers a “labor of love”, and each cleaner provides a consistent and thorough cleaning.

Ms. Stieber worked in the industry for thirteen years before starting her own company in 2003. It was her vision to create a team oriented environment with competitive pay, and the opportunity for advancement. Fast forward seven years later, and Dirt Dissolvers has grown to employ three professionally trained cleaners and one office staff employee. Dirt Dissolvers manages diverse contracts such as residential homes, religious facilities, commercial sites, executive apartments, post construction clean-outs, and medical offices.

In addition to residential communities, some of our satisfied customers include: Lynden Air, Mt. Holly; Pain Management Center, Voorhees; Pain Management Center, Hamilton; Seventh Day Adventist Church, Browns Mills; and Sacred Heart Church, Mt. Holly. With Dirt Dissolvers, Ms. Stieber has created a tradition of exceptional services at affordable rates. We provide peace of mind. There are no worries; you can trust us to get the job done right every time. We can customize a plan that works for you: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one time. We are proud of the lengthy list of loyal customers we have built, and would be glad to add your company to our growing list.

Welcoming Baby

After your baby arrives, give yourself one less thing to worry about. With seven years experience you can trust Dirt Dissolvers to meet your family’s needs. Our attention to detail and unsurpassed quality has made us the first choice, and only choice for homes in Burlington and Mercer Counties in New Jersey.

We use eco-friendly products, which means it’s safer for your family, home, and the environment. Dirt Dissolvers will design a plan specific for your home and family. Our services are available weekly, monthly, or one time.

Some of our services include:

• Vacuum floors and rugs
• Clean mirrors and windows
• Dust window blinds
• Clean and sanitize bathroom sinks and counters
• Clean and sanitize bathroom shower, tub, and toilet
• Sweep and mop floors

Please visit our Home Cleaning Services page for a complete description of services.

Dirt Dissolvers

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Warmly,

The Dirt Dissolvers office staff