Could Bed Bug Skins be Used for New Traps?

What if...
What if…

Finding shed bed bug skins is a sure sign that you have an infestation. However, researchers at the University of California have found that those skins might actually serve a useful purpose, which could be great news for those of us who work in NJ pest control.

According to their findings, the shed skins of bed bugs tend to give off four different pheromone compounds. These sweet smells lure bed bugs into a space, and they automatically think the area is safe for them. In short, bed bugs are drawn to their own familiar smell, which can be exploited for new ways to trap and eradicate these blood-sucking pests.

The best news of all is that these experimental traps suggest their effectiveness will last for quite some time. During their tests, researchers crushed the skins, and then aged them for as long as 99 days. They were then tested and the presence of the pheromone compounds was still detected.

These findings are encouraging because although there are many different bed bug traps on the market, nothing that utilized their own smell has been developed. This new approach might lead to the most effective bed bug trap ever created, and the fact that it will be inexpensive is very attractive to property owners and NJ pest control specialists.

Are bed bugs bugging you? If so, Stern can help you with the most up-to-date methods. Contact us!

 

Find Out Why Bed Bug Bites Vary from Person to Person

Bed Bug Bites
Bed Bug Bites

The spread of bed bugs has increased due to their creativity in finding transportation from one location to another. This isn’t just within a home or building, but spread across neighborhoods and cities. It also includes international bed bugs that travel from country to country via luggage, backpacks, brief cases, clothing, etc.

Differences in Bed Bug Bites

While bed bugs bites don’t always cause a skin reaction other than red itchy welts, their bites can cause allergic reactions in others.

Research studies indicate that people bitten by bed bugs typically have a 40-70% chance of developing skin or allergic reaction. The most common reaction to the tiny puncture is itching, which may be more intense for people who have been bitten repeatedly.

For other bite victims, more complex skin reactions are possible. This includes itchy wheals or hives, blisters, and itchy bumps that may become infected due to excessive scratching. Bed bug saliva is also known to cause negative health issues for some people.

No one wants to deal with pests. If your home or business is experiencing an infestation, our NYC bed bug specialists have the tools, treatments, and know-how to clear up your problem.

For help with eliminating these blood-thirsty pests, contact Stern Environmental today, and we’ll schedule an appointment for one of our expert NYC bed bug specialists to visit your property and take care of business. Quickly and efficiently!

 

Canadian Pest Control Owner Hits the Airwaves at Sirius XM

Call in and Get Some Pest Answers
Call in and Get Some Pest Answers

A new radio show titled “What’s Bugging You” gives listeners of “Krystal Nation” Sirius XM 167 an opportunity to call in with their questions on bed bugs, rodents, and other pests. Hosted by Michael Goldman of Purity Pest Control in Ontario, Canada, the program started in September. The monthly radio segments air on Saturday at 5 p.m. and are repeated at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Andrew Krystal is co-host and producer.

Pests have been grabbing more headlines recently, and people appreciate having an opportunity to speak with pest control experts about their questions and concerns. The bed bug epidemic continues to spread in major cities and Zika-virus-carrying mosquitoes are a growing concern for people across North America. Mosquitoes aren’t the only deadly insects. Wasp stings are painful for everyone and can lead to severe allergic reactions and can even be fatal for some people. Protect your family by contacting the NJ pest control experts.

Pests in businesses can cause major problems, destroy property, and reduce profits. Just one negative review about bed bugs can spread across social media faster than a bed bug infestation can spread through a hotel or apartment complex.

Whether you’re a homeowner combating pesky squirrels or a business owner who needs an effective pest control method like Stern’s RTM to protect your business, you can reach out to the NJ pest control experts at Stern Environmental Group anytime.

Pest Control Technology Magazine Releases Bed Bug Report on Bed Bug Problems in Multi-Family Housing Units

Pest Control Technology Magazine Releases Bed Bug Report on Bed Bug Problems in Multi-Family Housing Units
Pest Control Technology Magazine Releases Bed Bug Report on Bed Bug Problems in Multi-Family Housing Units

Bed bugs are a problem anywhere and a new survey conducted by a consortium of researchers from multiple universities sheds light on the problem of these bloodsucking pests in multi-unit housing communities.

Bed Bug Research

While bed bugs are on the move throughout the U.S., researchers are actively tracking the situation to stay up-to-date on the bugs’ movements and ways to help the public and pest control companies manage the situation.

The latest research targeted the western region of the U.S. where information is not as abundant as it is on the east coast. Funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Western Integrated Pest Management Center, surveys were distributed to small businesses and pest control companies.

Bed Bug Survey

The results of the survey focused on three areas: 1. worst infestations, 2. most difficult infestations and 3. most often treated. Multi-unit housing ranked the highest in worst infestations followed by hotels and shelters. In category 2, multi-unit housing was first followed by hotels and single-family homes. In category 3, responses put multi-unit housing first, then single-family followed by hotels.

When you need the help of NYC bed bug specialists, call our staff at Stern Environmental Group for fast assistance. Our company has the latest in technology, treatments and products combined with the years of experience our NYC bed bug specialists bring to the job. Don’t let bed bugs take another bite, call us today.

FDA Approves Zika Mosquito Relief Plan for Florida

Could Drones Be the End of Zika Virus?
Genetically-Modified Mosquito Trial in Florida

While the Zika virus has been around for quite some time, it has not been an issue for the U.S. until recently with the outbreak of the virus in Florida. Although most people are not negatively affected by the Zika virus, it does cause birth defects, especially microcephaly, which results in severe developmental issues.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

In an effort to stem their reproduction cycle and lessen the population, the FDA has approved genetically altered/engineered mosquitoes developed by Oxitec, a British firm whose researchers have been developing modified mosquitoes for several years.

The altered mosquitoes are scheduled to be released in the Florida Keys to test their effectiveness. While they will still be able to produce offspring, the new mosquitoes should die off before having an opportunity to reproduce. This should have a definite impact on the mosquito population.

The trial run is scheduled for sometime in November. Oxitec has stated that the genetically modified mosquitoes pose no harm to the environment, and the experiment is expected to be effective in reducing the mosquito population as well as deterring the Zika virus.

NYC pest control specialists can help with mosquito infestations or any other type of insect or pest infestation creating an unhealthy home or business environment. For help with controlling and eliminating unwanted pesky insects, contact our staff at Stern Environment for information on our NYC pest control services.