News, Pest News, Squirrel Control, Squirrels

When do Squirrels Have Babies in New Jersey?

When do Squirrels Have Babies?
When do Squirrels Have Babies?

Grey squirrels are cute and their babies are even cuter. That doesn’t mean you want them as house guests. Here are some helpful facts about the breeding habits and behavior of grey squirrels, a frequent target of NJ pest control.

When Do Squirrels Breed?

You may sometimes hear grey squirrels referred to as cat or migratory squirrels. This species, commonly found in New Jersey and the eastern United States, usually lives in forests and other natural outdoor areas. Since grey squirrels have little fear of humans, it’s not unusual to see them in urban areas as well.

Grey squirrels breed from December to February and again from May to June. While female squirrels can’t breed until they’re at least a year old, males are extremely active during these periods. Breeding squirrels may even engage in mating dances.

Birth and Lifespan

During the 44-day gestation period, pregnant squirrels may become more aggressive.  Litters generally produce two to six squirrels, although there can be as many as eight babies. According to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, grey squirrels have an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years, but wild grey squirrels can live up to 10 years.

NJ Pest Control for All Creatures Great and Small

Are bed bugs, mice, squirrels or other creatures making themselves welcome at your home? Contact Stern Environmental for information about our comprehensive and cost-effective NJ pest control services.

Cockroaches, News

What NYC Residents Should Know About Roaches

You Won't Just See One!
You Won’t Just See One!

According to the popular saying, cockroaches would be the only living creatures to survive a nuclear explosion. While our NJ pest control technicians don’t resort to such drastic methods, cockroaches remain a common problem for NYC residents. Here’s a look at some basic information on these stubborn pests.

Main Types of Cockroaches

• American cockroaches are large, approximately 1-1/2 inches long, and reddish-brown in color. This species features full-grown wings that are functional. Since American cockroaches frequent sewer and water lines, they’re sometimes referred to as water bugs.

• German cockroaches are much smaller, only about 1/2 inch in length, with tan or brown coloring. Like American cockroaches, German cockroaches have wings, but they’re incapable of flight.

Household Threats

Cockroaches prefer warm, hidden areas where they have easy access to food and water. They’re also nocturnal, so if you spot one during the day, it’s usually a sign of a large infestation. When their population grows, some cockroaches are forced to venture out in search of new homes.

Diseases are the most significant of cockroach-related dangers. Cockroaches are known carriers of salmonella, dysentery, cholera and other serious illnesses, which can be transmitted when the pests contaminate food sources.

NJ Pest Control Solutions to Cockroach Infestations

We have more than 17 years of experience successfully eliminating cockroaches and other indoor pests. Contact Stern Environmental to schedule an appointment with our friendly and professional technicians.

Animal Control, News, Squirrel Control, Squirrels

What to Know About NJ Squirrels

NJ Squirrel Removal Experts
NJ Squirrel Removal Experts

Squirrels may be an entertaining sight when they scamper around in a park, but not when they’re wreaking havoc in your home. Our NJ pest control experts share these helpful facts about squirrels.

Types of NJ Squirrels

The most common species of squirrel found in New Jersey is the gray squirrel. “Gray” is something of a misnomer, as it’s actually a combination of white, black and brown fur that creates the illusion of gray.

New Jersey is also home to both northern flying squirrels and southern flying squirrels. Instead of wings, these squirrels have membranes from arms to chest and between the legs that allow them to glide, giving the appearance of flying.

The northern flying squirrel prefers to live in wooded areas, high up in the trees. So, if you find flying squirrels in your home they’re likely to be the southern variety.

Why Squirrels Love Your Home

Squirrels breed twice a year, once in winter and once in summer. With its warmth, safety and access to food and water, your attic makes an attractive home for a pregnant squirrel

In order to control their constantly growing teeth, squirrels need to gnaw, which causes significant damage to wood, wires and even pipes. Squirrels also spread disease directly through biting and indirectly through their droppings.

NJ Pest Control for Wildlife and Insects

Surprised by uninvited visitors? Contact Stern Environmental for safe and effective removal.

Animal Control, News, Raccoons, Residential Services

What to Know About NJ Raccoons

Our One Way Tunnels Let Raccoons Out and Not Back Into Your Attic
Our One Way Tunnels Let Raccoons Out and Not Back Into Your Attic

Rocket Raccoon was a member of Guardians of the Galaxy, but in real life raccoons are not so heroic. Here’s some helpful information about these wildlife intruders from our NJ pest control team.

Raccoons: Cute but Deadly

Raccoons are often associated with being in the country, but these durable critters have made their way into more densely populated areas. They’ve become so acclimated to urban and suburban areas that they find houses to be an appealing place to nest.

While kids in particular may find raccoons cute to watch, their behavior is anything but. Raccoons can be vicious when they feel threatened, and they’ve been known to attack humans and other animals. According to the CDC, raccoons are one of the primary wildlife carriers of rabies, second only to bats.

Destructive Raccoon Behavior

As true omnivores, raccoons will eat just about anything they find. Unfortunately, this often leads them to search dumpsters and garbage cans for meals. As a result, you can become ill just coming into contact with their left-behind fur.

Like squirrels, raccoons living in your attic will gnaw on wood, wires and other materials, resulting in significant structural damage. Their urine and feces contain germs that, if airborne, will create a major health risk.

Trust Stern Environmental for Effective NJ Pest Control

Don’t take NJ pest control into your own hands. Contact us for safe and eco-friendly insect and wildlife removal.

Bed Bug Resources, Bed Bugs, News

Dont Let Bed Bugs Disrupt Your Spring Break Plans, Here’s What To Look Out For

Spring Break is Here! Make Sure Bed Bugs are Not!
Spring Break is Here! Make Sure Bed Bugs are Not!

Photos, t-shirts and suntans are great, but bed bugs are one souvenir you don’t want to bring home from spring break. Our NJ pest control experts fill you in on the telltale signs of bed bugs and how to avoid them.

Physical Features and Behavior

Bed bugs are small brown insects approximately the size of an apple seed. They feed on human and animal blood, so they take on a swollen, reddish appearance after feeding.

While bed bugs don’t generally carry diseases, their bites can become itchy and irritated. Bites are usually found around the ankles or other areas where skin is exposed during the night. Other common signs of bed bugs are blood or rust-colored stains on linens, pillows, pajamas and mattresses.

Tips to Avoid Bed Bugs

• Immediately examine the bed, including sheets, blankets, pillowcases, mattress and box springs. Pay close attention to seams and crevices.

• Bed bugs love to latch onto clothing, so check the closet and dresser drawers.

• Keep luggage on a stand or shelf instead of on the floor.

• If you suspect the presence of bed bugs, notify the front desk at once and request a different room.

Bed Bugs Are No Match for NJ Pest Control from Stern Environmental

Removing bed bugs on your own is difficult and frustrating. Contact us for effective and eco-friendly extermination of bed bugs and other pests.

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