Monthly Archives: January 2016

Ants, Commercial Services, News, Pest Control, Residential Services, Stinging Insects

A Little History: Fire Ants Came to America on Spanish Ships

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The Ants
The Ants

Fire ants. Their name alone is a warning that the pests cause pain. These busy bugs, native to Central America and South America, have been a U.S. resident as far back as the 16th century.

World Travelers

Tropical fire ants are an invasive species. From what researchers have found, world traveling fire ants made their way to the U.S. aboard Spanish ships. Once the ships landed, the ants debarked and set up colonies. Today, it is estimated most of the planet’s tropical regions have fire ants as residents.

Understanding how the ants travel allows more research into processes and treatments used by NYC commercial pest control specialists to avoid, eliminate and remove existing or potential infestations.

Bugs that Pack a Punch

Fire ant bites hurt. Like their name implies, the bite is like a hot burning poker on your skin. When the ant bites, it injects a powerful venom that turns into a red pustule bump that can leave a scar. People who are allergic to fire ant bites can go into anaphylactic shock which needs immediate treatment. If not treated, the bite can cause death.

Fire ants aren’t the type of pest you want settling into your yard or home. If you think you have fire ants, let professional NYC commercial pest control technicians take care of the problem. Contact us at Stern Environmental Group at your earliest convenience to set up an appointment.

 

Commercial Services, Disease Carrying Pests, Insect Control, News, Pest Control, Residential Services

Deadly Kissing Bug May Head to NJ and NY

Keep Your Home Safe From The Kissing Bug
Keep Your Home Safe From The Kissing Bug

You’d think an insect known as the kissing bug would be the kind you wouldn’t mind having around. Not so. This bloodsucking insect typically bites individuals on the lips or face area transmitting a tiny parasite which is a carrier for Chagas disease.

Tips to Help Prevent a Kissing Bug Infestation

These tiny bugs mainly come out at night making it more difficult to see where they’re entering the property. They are opportunists when it comes to finding ways inside. Once they’ve set up house, it is a challenge to get rid of the potentially dangerous bugs.

  • Inspect your property and caulk any cracks, crevices, or holes where the bugs can enter. This can be around windows, doors, or spaces where cabling or satellite wires enter the property.
  • Check for tears in screens.
  • If your attic vent does not have a screen, have one installed to prevent entry.
  • Have any tree limbs touching the property cut back.
  • Leaf and firewood piles are good places for the bugs to live. When you bring firewood into your home, the bugs come along for the ride.

Our NJ commercial pest control technicians have a list of services to offer to rid your property of unwanted pests.

With NJ commercial pest control specialists from Stern Environmental Group on the scene, kissing bugs don’t stand a chance. Call us today to schedule an appointment and let’s kiss these bugs good-bye.

Bed Bug Information, Bed Bug Resources, Bed Bugs, Commercial Services, Cryonite, News, Pest Control, Residential Services

The EPA Weighs in DIY Freezing Does Not Work!

How Cryonite Can Help You
DIY Freezing Does Not Work

The possibility of a bed bug infestation is a possibility no matter how clean your home may be. These bloodsucking pests are avid travelers that attach themselves to a variety of mobile transport items such as backpacks, totes, luggage and clothing.

The bugs are not picky about their mode of transportation as long as they have a snug and cozy place to call home once they arrive at their destination. This can be inside packed boxes, mattresses, box springs, headboards, curtains, drawers and crevices.

Eliminating bed bugs can be a challenge. One of the best ways to avoid an infestation is by decluttering your home to remove hiding places. Using bed encasements help protect bedding and regularly washing linens, bedspreads, comforters and blankets supports a no bed bug environment,

There are several methods used to kill bed bugs. Over-the-counter sprays may or may not be effective depending on the level of infestation. While freezing is one of the processes used to kill bed bugs, trying this on your own may not have the desired results as a very low temperature must be maintained for a significant length of time. A better option is contacting your NYC bedbug specialists who uses Cryonite, a non-toxic freezing treatment to eradicate the bugs.

When you need help from NYC bedbug specialists, give us a call at Stern Environmental Group. We have a cool solution to your bed bug dilemma.

 

Bed Bug Information, Bed Bug News, Bed Bug Resources, Bed Bugs, Commercial Services, Insect Control, News, Pest Control, Residential Services

University of Minnesota Gives Tips to Property Managers on Bedbugs

Bed Bug Infestations
The Bed Bug Issue

Bedbugs wreak havoc on homes, hotels, motels, hospitals, trains, buses, schools, churches and any other building or mode of transportation. Bed bugs are opportunistic and once they’ve set up a home base, they’re not easily removed.

For property managers, a bed bug issue can become a ongoing problem as the bugs travel from place to place. In an apartment building, for example, bed bugs in one apartment can infiltrate another apartment by passing through cracks and crevices.

Tips to Consider

If a tenant complains of bites and itchy rashes, the first thing to do is call Stern, your NJ bedbug specialists, to determine if the biting pests are actually bedbugs versus fleas. If it’s found the pests are bed bugs, the technician can treat the problem.You should have the option of using the heat or freezing treatment to eradicate the bed bugs.

Whether the property is a duplex, apartment, or a single-family rental property, it’s important for the tenant to remove any clutter that can be used as a hiding place for bed bugs.

It will also be necessary to wash all bedding, clothing, and rugs, vacuum the area and furniture thoroughly, and place mattresses and box springs in a bed bug encasement.

Our staff of professional NJ bedbug specialists are standing by to address your bedbug problem. Call us today at Stern Environmental Group and let us take a bite out of your property’s bedbug infestation.

Animal Control, News, Pest Management, Rodent Control, Squirrels

The Humane Society Weighs in On Squirrel Control

Squirrel Damage
Squirrel Damage

While squirrels are entertaining to watch, they can become a nuisance to homeowners who’ve left easy entryways. Like most animals, squirrels look for save and warm locations to set up housekeeping and nesting areas to raise their young.

Easy Entry

Squirrels are opportunists and if given an opportunity to enter your home, they’ll gladly oblige. It doesn’t take much of an opening, either, for them to find their way in. Several areas to check frequently include torn screens, rotted fascia boards around the roof, chimney openings, crawl spaces, or a broken or damaged attic window.

Signs Squirrels are in Your Home

If you hear light, fast, running across your ceiling in the attic, chances are there’s a squirrel or two getting comfy. You may also hear scratching in the walls. This may mean there’s a trapped adult or young squirrel, which is not good.

Dangers Caused by Squirrels

The major damage done by squirrels is their need to gnaw. Unfortunately, this includes electrical wiring which creates a hazardous situation. Squirrels also carry pests and disease such as fleas and rabies,

While one or two squirrels may not seem like a problem, they are prone to returning year after year, This leads to a squirrel infestation requiring assistance from NYC squirrel removal specialists.

When too many squirrels are becoming a nuisance, contact our NYC squirrel removal team at Stern Environmental Group for humane trapping and removal.