WALLS OF SILENCE

SECTION 6 TITLE 6.1 THE RENTER’S SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR ROACH INFESTATION

(see financial damage ledger)

 

When cockroaches make their initial appearance in your home, you may think it's just an isolated incident. However, more often than not, they decide to stay. Once they establish themselves, their numbers can quickly multiply, leading to a full-fledged infestation. The more time passes, the harder it becomes to control their population, as cockroaches reproduce rapidly. Before you know it, what started as a few roaches can escalate into a serious problem. At this point, you might be seeing countless cockroaches, signaling that an infestation has taken hold. This issue is not just confined to residential homes. Businesses, too, are vulnerable to cockroach invasions. An infestation can disrupt daily operations, causing anxiety among employees and customers alike. Additionally, cockroaches are known to spread diseases, making it crucial to address an infestation promptly. If left untreated, the infestation could lead to serious health risks for your family or employees.

Section Number One

HOW MANY ROACHES ARE IN AN INFESTATION?

If you've seen two to ten cockroaches in a day, it's time to start paying attention. However, if the number exceeds ten, it's a clear sign that you're not just dealing with a visit but an actual infestation. Cockroaches are opportunistic and will quickly establish themselves wherever they find food, moisture, and warmth. Unfortunately, the problem often grows quickly, as cockroaches are notorious for reproducing at a fast pace. What may start as ten roaches today could easily grow to fifty or more tomorrow. The severity of a roach infestation is typically categorized by pest control professionals:

Subpart1

·         Light Infestation: Fewer than 5 cockroaches.

·         Moderate Infestation: 10-25 cockroaches.

·         Severe Infestation: Over 25 roaches.

Even if you only see a few roaches, there could be dozens or even hundreds hidden out of sight. Cockroaches tend to keep themselves well hidden, so unless you perform a thorough inspection, you may not realize the true extent of the problem.

Section Number Two

SIGNS OF A COCKROACH INFESTATION

If you suspect a roach infestation, there are several key signs to look out for:

1.      Live Roaches During the Day: Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, usually coming out at night to forage for food and water. Seeing them during the day can be a major red flag, signaling that they are overcrowded and actively searching for resources.

2.      Pungent Odor: A strong, musty, oily smell could indicate the presence of cockroaches. They leave behind pheromones, which can create a distinct odor in areas where they are nesting or feeding. If the infestation persists, the smell becomes more noticeable and harder to ignore.

3.      Roach Eggs: Finding cockroach eggs is another sure sign that an infestation is underway. Roaches reproduce quickly, and their eggs are often hidden in dark, undisturbed places, such as inside furniture, behind cabinets, or in cracks and crevices. It’s crucial to remove the eggs before they hatch to prevent an even larger infestation.

4.      Roach Droppings: Roach droppings can vary in size and shape depending on the species, but they often resemble ground coffee or black pepper. You’ll typically find droppings near food sources, in cabinets, behind appliances, or in other hidden areas.

Section Three

IS IT ENOUGH TO SPOT THE SIGNS?

While seeing the signs of a cockroach infestation (live roaches, droppings, eggs, or a pungent odor) is a strong indication that you have a problem, it's essential to act fast. Cockroaches hide in places you may never even think to look, and their numbers can grow exponentially in a short time. Even if you only spot a few roaches, there could be many more lurking in the shadows, making it critical to address the issue as soon as possible. If you find yourself dealing with a roach infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company immediately. A licensed exterminator will assess the severity of the infestation and use the appropriate methods to eliminate the roaches from your property.

Section Four

DEALING WITH ROACH INFESTATIONS

Removing cockroaches from your home or business can be a challenging and ongoing process. It's essential to hire a pest control professional to help you eliminate the infestation and prevent future problems.

Subpart 2

COMMON COCKROACH HIDEOUTS IN YOUR HOME

WHERE THEY'RE HIDING AND

HOW TO FIND THEM

If you’ve spotted a cockroach in your home, there’s a good chance you’ve got a lot more hiding nearby. Cockroaches are notorious for seeking shelter in places where they can thrive, and once they’ve settled in, it can be difficult to get rid of them. Cockroaches love warmth, darkness, and moisture—and these are the exact conditions you’ll find in many of your home’s hidden corners. Understanding where they hide is the first step to controlling a cockroach invasion and ensuring that your home stays pest-free. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common places where cockroaches make themselves at home.

Section Six

ELECTRONICS AND KITCHEN APPLIANCES

It’s no surprise that cockroaches love the warmth of electronics. Appliances like TVs, radios, game consoles, routers, and electric boxes provide a cozy spot for cockroaches to hide. But it doesn’t stop there—common kitchen appliances like toasters, coffee makers, refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves are also prime cockroach real estate. These devices offer more than just warmth; they often have food debris or moisture that cockroaches find irresistible. Additionally, you don’t regularly clean up spills or wipe down your appliances after use, you’re essentially giving cockroaches an invitation. Not only can they nest inside, but their presence can lead to short circuits, and their droppings can even damage sensitive electronic components.

Section Seven

FURNITURE AND FOOD CABINETS

Your furniture and cabinets might seem like safe zones, but they can actually harbor cockroaches. Sofas, chairs, dressers, and bookshelves—these are all places where cockroaches can hide during the day, waiting until the cover of darkness to come out and forage for food. Additionally, if you’re prone to snacking on the couch or in the bedroom, bits of food may fall into places that are difficult to reach, and those crumbs are just the kind of treat cockroaches love. Cabinets where food is stored, especially if it’s in open containers, are also prime cockroach hideouts. Don’t forget that cockroaches will also find places to lay eggs in these nooks, so be vigilant when cleaning out your furniture and kitchen storage areas.

Section Eight

PIPES AND FLOOR DRAINS

Pipes running under sinks, basements, and other areas are often the perfect hideout for cockroaches, especially if there’s a leak or consistent moisture. Moist environments are ideal for breeding, and the dark, out-of-sight nature of pipes means that cockroaches can set up camp undisturbed.

Floor drains are another prime spot. They act not only as hiding places but also as entryways for cockroaches. In particular, the American cockroach loves to infest drains, where they feed on whatever debris they can find, including other insects or even the decaying bodies of their fellow cockroaches.

Section Nine

CRACKS AND CREVICES

Cockroaches love dark, tight spaces—cracks in the walls, ceilings, and around windows and doors provide the perfect environment for these pests. Even the smallest gap can be a portal into your home for cockroaches, allowing them to hide during the day and come out at night in search of food. Sealing up cracks is one of the most effective ways to prevent cockroach infestations. Whether it’s small gaps around window frames, doorways, or along the baseboards, cockroaches can squeeze through and make themselves at home. Inspect your home regularly to catch any gaps before they become an entry point.

Section Ten

WALL DECOR

It’s easy to overlook the back of pictures, wall hangings, and clocks, but cockroaches have a knack for finding hidden spaces behind them. Wall décor provides a great hideout because these items tend to receive little light and are rarely disturbed. Cockroaches will hide behind these objects during the day and come out at night, which can lead to an undetected infestation. Consider moving heavy furniture or decorative items and inspecting the areas behind them. Regular dusting and cleaning will also help deter cockroaches from nesting in these unnoticed spaces.

Section Eleven

BASEMENTS

Basements are often damp, dark, and not frequently visited, making them an ideal environment for cockroaches. If your basement is used for storage, it’s likely filled with boxes, old furniture, or other items that provide both shelter and food for cockroaches. Even though basements may not have much food, cockroaches are opportunistic eaters and will consume decaying organic matter, other insects, or even other cockroaches. Since basements are usually cool, they can attract specific cockroach species, such as the German or American cockroach. To avoid infestation, keep your basement clean and dry, and consider using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels.

Section Twelve

TRASH

It’s no surprise that trash is a favorite hangout for cockroaches. Garbage piles provide a feast of food scraps, and the bags or bins themselves offer a convenient place to hide. Whether it’s under the trash can, behind it, or in piles of old magazines or papers, cockroaches are drawn to areas where trash accumulates.

To reduce the likelihood of cockroaches invading your trash, make sure to take out the garbage regularly, store it in sealed containers, and avoid letting it pile up inside your home. Clean up any spills or crumbs around your trash can, as these are like a free buffet for cockroaches.

Section Thirteen

Subpart 3

WHY COCKROACH EGGS ARE A BIG DEAL

When dealing with a cockroach infestation, it’s essential to understand the importance of their eggs. Cockroaches lay their eggs in special protective cases called  oothecae, which are brown or tan in color and about 8 mm long. These egg cases can contain up to 40 eggs, which means a single egg case could lead to a massive population explosion. These eggs are often laid in dark, secluded areas, such as cracks in walls, behind furniture, or  inside appliances. Once laid, the eggs hatch within a few weeks, and the nymphs (baby cockroaches) are fully capable of fending for themselves. Because of their ability to reproduce rapidly, it’s vital to remove egg cases as soon as they are discovered to prevent a future surge in cockroach numbers.  Regular inspections of high-risk areas, such as behind appliances, inside furniture, and  in cracks and crevices, are key to catching these pests before they multiply. By addressing both the adult roaches and their eggs, you can significantly reduce the chances of a persistent infestation. Cockroaches will hide these egg cases in places like cracks, behind furniture, or  even in your appliances, making it difficult to detect the eggs until they hatch. Once hatched, the nymphs are eager to start reproducing, leading to a growing infestation. Therefore, eliminating both the cockroaches and their eggs is crucial to effectively controlling the problem. Again, once cockroaches settle into your home, it’s critical to address both the adult pests and their eggs. Regular inspections and cleaning are key, but in many cases, professional pest control services will be necessary to ensure a thorough eradication. Pest control specialists can identify hidden hideouts, eliminate cockroach eggs, and provide you with strategies to keep your home cockroach-free.  If you’ve found cockroaches in your home and are concerned about an infestation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional pest control service. They can help protect your home and eliminate cockroaches, giving you peace of mind knowing your living space is safe and free from pests.

Subpart 4

GERMAN COCKROACHES IN ELECTRONICS: SAFEGUARDING YOUR APPLIANCES

Introduction: A Hidden Threat to Your Electronics

We all know that pests can wreak havoc in our kitchens, bathrooms, and even our basements, but did you know your electronics can also become nesting grounds for these unwelcome invaders? Among the most notorious offenders are German cockroaches—small yet persistent pests that can cause significant damage, particularly when they make their way into your valuable electronic devices. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how German cockroaches affect your electronics and share practical, actionable advice to protect your appliances from their sneaky infestation.

Section Fourteen

WHAT ARE GERMAN COCKROACHES

German cockroaches may be small in stature, measuring between half an inch and two-thirds of an inch in length, but they are far from insignificant when it comes to the damage they can cause. Unlike some other roach species that may invade homes sporadically, German cockroaches are infamous for their persistence. Thanks to their rapid reproduction rates and preference for indoor environments, once they settle in, they can be challenging to remove.

These roaches thrive in warm, humid spaces close to food and water, making kitchens and bathrooms their primary haunts. However, it’s not just your kitchen cabinets that attract them. German cockroaches, always on the lookout for cozy warmth, often find their way into your appliances—appliances that you rely on every day.

Section Fifteen

Subpart 5

GERMAN COCKROACHES AND ELECTRONICS

Your electronics offer the perfect environment for these pests. Microwaves, refrigerators, computers, and even televisions provide the warmth, shelter, and occasional crumbs that cockroaches need to survive. And while these electronic havens may seem like the ideal sanctuary for a cockroach, they can pose significant risks for your devices.

These roaches can often be hard to spot, as they prefer to hide deep within the cavities of electronics. Unfortunately, their presence isn’t just a nuisance—it can lead to dangerous, costly consequences.

Section Sixteen

Subpart 6

RISKS OF COCKROACHES IN ELECTRONICS

The intrusion of German cockroaches into your electronics isn’t something to take lightly. Here are some of the risks that come with their uninvited presence:

Subpart 7

E.      Short Circuits:  Cockroaches, like any other pest, leave behind waste. Unfortunately, roach droppings are acidic and can cause short circuits in the delicate wiring of electronic devices. In some cases, this can lead to permanent damage or, worse yet, a fire hazard.

Subpart 8

F.       Corrosion:  Over time, the droppings and body parts of cockroaches can corrode internal components of your appliances. As this process progresses, the functionality of your devices may suffer, and parts may need to be replaced—costing you both time and money.

Subpart 9

A.      Allergens:  Did you know cockroaches are among the top triggers for allergies and asthma? Their droppings, shed skins, and even the particles they leave behind can get sucked into the cooling systems of your electronics and spread allergens through the air. This can affect not only the health of the people in your home but also the air quality.

Section Seventeen

IDENTIFYING GERMAN COCKROACHES IN YOUR HOME

Before you can tackle the issue of cockroaches in your electronics, it’s essential to be able to recognize the signs of an infestation. German cockroaches are notorious for being elusive, but here are some key indicators:

Subpart 10.

A.     Visual Sightings:  German cockroaches are nocturnal, so if you spot one scurrying around at night, it’s a clear sign of an infestation. They are fast, and they’ll dart away at the first sign of light, making them even harder to catch.

B.     Droppings: Small, pepper-like specks are often found around appliances, on kitchen counters, in drawers, and under furniture. These droppings are a telltale sign that cockroaches have been in the area.

C.     Egg Capsules (Ootheca): German cockroaches carry their egg capsules with them until they’re ready to hatch. These brown, bean-shaped capsules are about 8 mm long and can often be found in hidden areas like behind appliances or inside electronic devices.

D.     Unpleasant Odor: A heavy infestation can produce a musty, damp odor. If your home starts to smell unusual, it might be time to check for cockroaches.

Section Eighteen

5 TIPS FOR PROTECTING ELECTRONICS FROM COCKROACHES

Now that you know the risks, let’s talk about how you can safeguard your electronics from German cockroaches. Here are five easy yet effective steps to keep your appliances pest-free:

Subpart 11

A. Keep a Clean Home:  Cleanliness is the first line of defense. Regularly vacuum floors, wipe down surfaces, and ensure there are no food scraps or crumbs lingering around. This removes the attractants that cockroaches love.

B. Seal Entry Points:  Roaches can sneak in through the tiniest cracks and crevices. Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, and where utilities enter. Use caulk to seal these areas and prevent any unwanted guests from sneaking in.

Subpart 12

C.      Manage Humidity:  Cockroaches thrive in humid environments. Consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas of your home, like basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms. This makes it less appealing for them to settle in.

Subpart 13

D.     Conduct Regular Inspections:  Make a habit of checking your electronics for signs of cockroach activity. If you’re moving appliances, check inside for droppings, egg capsules, or any other indications of pests. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier it will be to deal with.

E.       Ensure Proper Food Storage:  Cockroaches are attracted to food, so make sure all food is stored in sealed containers. Never leave food out overnight, especially in areas near your electronics. This simple step can make a world of difference.

Section Nineteen

Subpart 14

HOW PEST CONTROL CAN HELP

Even with your best efforts, sometimes a professional is needed to fully rid your home of German cockroaches. A pest control professional can:

A. Conduct Thorough Inspections: They can identify any potential hotspots where cockroaches might be nesting—whether inside your electronics or in other hidden areas.

B. Apply Targeted Treatments: Pest control experts use specialized products that are safe for use around electronics while still effectively eliminating pests.

C. Offer Preventive Strategies: Beyond eradicating pests, they can provide tips and strategies to prevent future infestations. With their expertise, you can protect your home and your electronics for the long haul.

CONCLUSION

A LITTLE PREVENTION GOES A LONG WAY

While German cockroaches are persistent pests, with the right strategies, you can protect your electronics and your home from their damaging effects. Regular cleaning, sealing entry points, and monitoring your appliances will go a long way in keeping these unwelcome visitors at bay. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals—they have the knowledge and tools to help you tackle a cockroach infestation head-on.

Sources: Source   No. 1,  Source  No. 2,  Source No. 3

LEGAL CLAIMS AND DEMAND FOR DAMAGES

Year: 2024
Amount: $18,638.37

Additional: Emotional Distress, Punitive Damages and Relocation Asssitance.

1.      Property Owner: Don Klyberg

2.      Property Management: Rick Newmann

3.      Property Management: Anthony Anderson

 

CAUSES OF ACTION

1.     Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg’s Tenants, Staff and Invitee engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct, including sexual harassment, stalking, intimidation, destruction of property and retaliatory refusal to make repairs with the intent to cause severe emotional harm or with reckless disregard for the harm caused.

o    Result: Subjet suffered severe emotional distress, including but not limited to anxiety, fear, mental anguish, and psychological trauma.

2.     Punitive Damages

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management conduct was willful, malicious, and in reckless disregard of the subjets’s rights, warranting an award of punitive damages to deter such behavior in the future.

o    Claimed Amount: To be determined by the court based on the egregiousness of Don Klyberg and Property Management actions.

3.     Breach of Contract: Residential Lease Agreement

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management failed to uphold their contractual obligations under the lease agreement, including failing to provide habitable conditions, adequate privacy, and protection of Subject’s property.

o    Result: Subject suffered financial loss, property damage, and emotional distress.

4.     Breach of Implied Covenant of Habitability

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management failed to maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition, including refusal to make necessary repairs and address hazardous living conditions.

o    Result: Subject endured unsafe living conditions, emotional harm, and financial damages.

5.     Mail Tampering, Mail Theft, and Mailbox Vandalism

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management interfered with, damaged, or tampered with Plaintiff’s mail, violating federal and state laws regarding mail delivery and privacy.

o    Result: Subject suffered financial loss, loss of property, emotional distress and invasion of privacy.

6.     Chronic Violation of Tenant’s Right to Privacy

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management repeatedly gave the tenants identifying information and private data to tenants and guest, failed to store private data correctly in rental office, opened, moved and stole tenants mail, gossiped about tenant through the city in disparaging character, used tenants phone number to send unsolicited sexually harassing text messages, used master key to leave sexually harassing and intimidating secreted notes in the mailbox, used police entry to threaten, intimidate and caused emotional distress, stalked tenant at windows, under the floor, at mailbox, at door, at phone, without authorization and exposed subjects personal information without consent chronically over a period of thirteen months.

o    Result: Subject suffered emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and harm to personal security.

7.     Negligence Resulting in Battery

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management negligent conduct directly caused or contributed to physical harm or offensive contact against subject.

o    Result: Subject experienced physical injury, emotional distress, and financial costs.

8.     Hostile Living Environment

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management created an abusive and hostile living environment through harassment, intimidation, and failure to address unsafe conditions.

o    Result: Subject suffered emotional and psychological harm, fear for safety, and financial hardship.

9.     Gender-Based Discrimination

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management targeted Plaintiff for discriminatory treatment based on gender, in violation of applicable anti-discrimination laws.

o    Result: Subject suffered emotional harm, loss of housing security, and other damages.

10.                        Sexual Harassment

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management engaged in unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including harassment and stalking, creating a hostile living environment.

o    Result: Subject experienced emotional distress, fear for safety, and mental anguish.

11.                        Cyberbullying

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management engaged in electronic harassment, including inappropriate or threatening communications, constituting cyberbullying and sexual cyberbullying.

o    Result: Subject suffered severe emotional distress and mental harm.

12.                        Property Damage

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management intentionally or negligently destroyed or damaged Plaintiff’s property.

o    Result: Subject incurred financial losses in the form of repair or replacement costs, loss of health and emotional distressed.

13.                        Property Theft

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management stole Subjects property, including BBQ Grill causing financial loss.

o    Result: Subject suffered financial harm, loss of health and emotional distress.

14.                        Intimidation

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management engaged in threats, harassment, and other intimidating behaviors to coerce or control the subject.

o    Result: Subject experienced fear, emotional distress, and loss of peaceful enjoyment of the premises.

15.                        Retaliation

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management retaliated against Subject for asserting tenant rights or making complaints about the property condition, violating tenant protection laws.

o    Result: Subject suffered emotional distress, financial hardship, and property harm.

16. Stalking

o    Allegation: Don Klyberg and Property Management repeatedly followed, monitored, or harassed subject, causing subject to fear for personal safety and security.

o    Result: Subject experienced emotional trauma, anxiety, and loss of peace of mind.

17. “Smoking Gun” Evidence

o    Allegation: Subject possesses direct evidence (e.g., written communications, video, photos, witness statements) proving Don Klyberg and Property Management wrongful actions and intent.

---

RELIEF REQUESTED

Subject respectfully requests the following relief:

1.     Compensatory Damages:

o    Financial reimbursement for property loss, repair costs, and expenses related to relocation.

o    Claimed Amount: $18,638.37 (subject to adjustment based on additional losses).

2.     Punitive Damages:

o    To punish Don Klyberg and Property Management for willful, malicious, and reckless conduct.

3.     Relocation Costs:

o    Compensation for all costs incurred due to the need to relocate as a result of Don Klyberg and Property Management actions.

4.     Emotional Distress Damages:

o    Compensation for severe emotional distress, mental anguish, and psychological harm.

5.     Legal Fees and Costs:

o    Reimbursement of attorney’s fees, court filing costs, and other litigation expenses.*

6.     Additional Relief:

o    Any other relief the court deems just and proper, including injunctions to prevent further harassment or misconduct.

---

EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT CLAIMS

• Photographic and video evidence of property damage, unsafe conditions, and harassment.
• Written communications (texts, emails, notices).
• Police reports or incident reports*
• Medical records documenting emotional and physical injuries.
• Witness statements.
• Smoking Gun instant updates

---