Monthly Archives: September 2015

Animal Control, News, Pest Control, Pest News, Squirrels

Romance Is In the Air – Squirrels Breeding Season Is Nearly Upon Us

The Squirrel Experts
Squirrels Are Breeding

Squirrels can be some of the most fun to watch critters around. They scurry up and down trees, gathering nuts and sometimes burying them for future meals. If you know anything about squirrels, their breeding season has just ended, in late August, and their next breeding season will be starting in December. And with a 45 day gestation period, babies will be on their way sometime between now and early to mid October.

Finding a Nest

Most squirrels make their breeding nest in trees where they can safely raise their young. But if trees are scarce, or there are a lot of squirrels around, they will look for other places to build a nest, and one of the best places is in your home attic. When these cute little squirrels become home invaders, they can quickly over stay their welcome and become annoying.

Serious Pests

Once in an attic, squirrels can bring in fleas, ticks, mites and leave feces. They can gnaw through wires, and their entrance holes can be enlarged or used by other invaders like raccoons, mice  and possums. You don’t want them in your attic, and the best course of action is to get rid of them as soon as possible.

For more information about squirrel removal, contact the  Stern Environmental Group. We are professionally trained to remove any squirrel problem you may have, in your attic, garage or other outbuildings.

Insect Control, News, Pest Control, Residential Services, Stinging Insects, Wasps

Tips on Removing a Wasp Nest – Call a Professional

Wasp Control
Wasp Control

Wasp nests are generally found under eves, in out buildings, garages, attics and any place where a sheltered overhang makes building a nest appealing. Because of these locations, they can sometimes become a nuisance, especially if the nest is above a doorway or a window, or if they have somehow found their way into your garage and have nested up in the eaves.

Your first inclination may be to remove the nest and get rid of the problem. However, the problem isn’t the actual nest, its the wasps that occupy it. You’ll have to deal with them first, and here the basics on what to do.

  • Wait until after dark when all of the wasps are back at the nest for the night. If you don’t, some may survive and cause trouble.
  • Make sure to wear protective clothing which includes heavy-weight pants, long sleeve shirts and eye protection.
  • Use a commercial wasp spray with the longest reach. Stand as far back as possible and spray the nest, making sure you do not inhale the fumes.

The best tip of all is to call a professional. Sure, it may cost a few bucks, but it may also save you from getting painfully stung.

For more information on wasp nest removal, contact the  Stern Environmental Group. We are professionally trained to remove any wasp nest that may be a problem, without all of the hassle.

Bed Bug Information, Bed Bug News, Insect Control, News, Residential Services

What Every Tenant Needs to Know About Bedbugs

Bed Bugs
Bed Bugs

Although this article won’t allow a detailed synopsis of what bedbugs are all about, it will provide some basic and useful information about what to look for and how to control bedbugs.

What they look like

Bedbugs look something like a reddish watermelon or apple  seed with legs. Nymphs, or young bedbugs may be white or clear colored and look like grains of sand.

What to look for

Tiny little darkened blood spots on sheets or linens may be the first sign of bedbug infestation. Since bedbugs feed on blood, their feces also consist of blood. Dark bloodstains on mattresses, bed frames and bed boards are also a sign of bedbug infestation.

Bedbug bites

Bedbug bites will be found mainly on exposed arms, legs, the chest and neck areas. Most people will exhibit one or several red welts, sometimes all in a row as bedbugs will feed together. However, you may not notice a bite for days or weeks afterwards, and some people never show any red mark at all.

How to combat them

Wash all sheets and bedding in hot water, and dry them in the dryer for at least, 30 minutes. Target bedbug hiding places, like beneath mattresses and under bed frames with insecticide.

But for best results, contact the  Stern Environmental Group. We can offer solutions to both control and eradicate bedbug infestation, no matter where they are found.

Bed Bug Information, Bed Bugs, Commercial Services, Disease Carrying Pests, News

Help Employees Keep From Spreading Bedbugs Into the Workplace

Bed Bug Infestations
Stop The Spread Of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can easily be spread from an employee’s home to the workplace. Help prevent employees from accidentally bringing bed bugs into the workplace by following this advice from Stern Environmental the NYC bed bug experts.

Spread the Word About Bed Bugs

First, hold a meeting about the problem of bed bugs. Inform all your employees in a group setting about the problem. Explain how easy it is to inadvertently bring bed bugs into the work environment, and how quickly they can multiply. If possible bring in local NYC bed bug experts to conduct the meeting and answer questions.

Have the Office Treated for Bed Bugs

If you discover that an employee has bed bugs at home, it’s likely they may carry them into the workplace. Have the office surveyed and treated, repeatedly if necessary. Bed bug treatment is non-toxic to humans, and the investment in prevention will be worth it.

Have Employees Separate Garments Brought From Home

Bed bugs like to hide in the folds and creases of textiles. When an employee reports a bed bug problem at home, it’s best to separate their garments from the rest of the staff’s. Provide a separate closet that is cordoned off from the rest of the office. Ask them to keep their garments in a sealed plastic bag, just until they are cleared for bed bugs.

For bed bug extermination services for your commercial property, contact Stern Environmental today.

Animal Control, Commercial Services, Insect Control, Mice, News, Rats, Rodent Control

Top Office Pests to Watch For in September

Mouse Control
Office Pest To Watch For

Office pests cause enough trouble when an employee finds a mouse scurrying through the break room. If a visitor sees a roach, you might have just lost a big sale.

Commercial buildings are very attractive to fall pests because they offer hiding places with warmth for the winter ahead. If your building has a restaurant on the ground floor — or the neighboring businesses don’t take care of their garbage — be ready to call for commercial pest control.

Be on the lookout this fall for these pests especially:

  • Rodents. Mice and rats make employees squirm and scare away customers. Pest control can seal off the entry points, control the population, and make recommendations to make the office less attractive to rodents.
  • Cockroaches. Roaches usually come inside through plumbing and stay near wet areas, but they scavenge for food. Ask employees to keep the break room clean, and call for pest control to exterminate.
  • Stink bugs. These bugs can damage your office and inventory by leaving waste that stains. If you swat them, they emit a terrible odor.
  • Bed bugs. Don’t think offices are immune to bed bugs. They are most active in summer and fall. Call for bed bug extermination if you see one anywhere in the office!

Keep away the fall pests, and you’re less likely to have a winter infestation. Call Stern Environmental for office pest control in the New York City and  New Jersey areas.