Monthly Archives: October 2018

Bed Bugs, Insect Control

What New Jersey Insects Cause Bites Which May Be Mistaken for Bedbug Bites?

Do You Know What's Biting You?
Do You Know What’s Biting You?

You wake up one morning only to find mysterious bug bites tattooed on your body. With all the talk of bed bugs, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind followed by the dread of dealing with an infestation.

Your first diagnosis may be incorrect and what you have is other biting pests that leave marks similar to bed bugs. Regardless, it’s time to call a NJ pest control service.

Diagnosing Bug Bites

Whatever the insect, some of the bugs that “present” themselves with characteristics of bed bugs bites include the following:

Fleas

If you have indoor/outdoor pets, chances are a renegade flea will hitch a ride. Even if you don’t have pets, fleas travel on squirrels, rodents, even birds so, there’s a good chance they’re in your yard and hopped aboard your shoe or pant leg for a ride indoors.

Chiggers

These microscopic mites are outdoor dwellers. If you spend any time outside, you may find bites under the rim of your socks. If you’re wearing tight clothing, you may find bites around the waistband.

A NJ pest control specialist takes care of exterminating these aggravating bugs once and for all. With periodic checks of your home and lawn by a NJ pest control professional, you’ll nip bug bites where they begin – keeping your home pest free. Call and schedule an inspection with Stern Environmental and send those biting bugs packing.

Commercial Services, Disease Carrying Pests, Rats

Telltale Signs of a New Jersey Rat Infestation

Rats Work In Teams, If You Have one, You Probably Have More.
Rats Work In Teams, If You Have one, You Probably Have More.

With the changing of the seasons approaching fast, outdoor pests such as rats will be looking for warm environments as the temperature drops. Don’t wait until they’ve established a winter home, start looking for signs of rat activity early so your NJ pest control technician can eliminate the problem.

Signs of Rats

Rats leave telltale signs and signatures to let you know they’re out and about. Below are a few of the most common signs you’ll see and hear in and around your home.

Noises – One of the most noticeable signs is a scratching sound. Whether it’s emanating from the ceiling, attic, or walls it’s a good chance the scratching sound is being made by rats.

Rub Marks – A rat’s coat is greasy, which attracts dirt particles. As they pass along and rub up against the baseboard, wall, or windowsill, greasy smudges are left behind.

Rat Droppings – If you see dark-colored feces about the size of a grain of rice, you have most likely found evidence of rat droppings.

Rat Nests – Shredded fabric, paper, and insulation are a sure sign of rats.

Our NJ pest control professionals know what it takes to get rid of a rat infestation. With an inspection, we’ll know the severity of the infestation and provide you with a plan of action. Don’t hesitate another minute, contact Stern Environmental for information on the latest in rat removal technology.

Bed Bug Detection Dogs, Bed Bug Information, Bed Bug Monitoring Device, Bed Bug Monitors, Bed Bug News, Bed Bug Resources, Bed Bugs, News

Can You Smell a Bedbug Infestation?

When You Need Help Call the Bed Bug Specialists - Stern Environmental Group!
When You Need Help Call the Bed Bug Specialists – Stern Environmental Group!

What is that smell? You get a whiff of what smells like wet moldy towels left fermenting in the bathroom. It isn’t pleasant and inquiring minds want to know what, why, and where it’s coming from. You may need the help of a NJ pest control company to help you ferret out the cause.

Bed Bugs and Odor

If you’ve determined you don’t have a water leak that causes mold, the next thing to consider is a bed bug infestation. These bloodsuckers are already unwanted visitors to the home with their penchant for dining on humans and pets while you’re getting what should be a good night’s rest.

Bed bugs have a distinctive odor that can’t be missed. It’s been described as smelling “musty”, “moldy”, and like “spoiled fruit”, “almonds”, or “coriander.” Regardless of the odoriferous descriptions, you don’t want them smelling up your house.

Cause of Odor

The most common thought of where the smell originates from is from the droppings the bugs leave behind. While a handful of bed bugs most likely won’t create a distinctive odor, a large infestation most certainly will. If you step on a bed bug, that also creates a strong smell.

To eliminate odors, have your home inspected by a NJ pest control professional. For help and information on bed bug extermination, contact Stern Environmental. We have the latest technology to remove these pests from your home.

Commercial Services, Disease Carrying Pests, Mice, Pest Control, Pest Eradication, Pest Management, Rats, Rodent Control

What Does a Mouse Infestation Smell Like

What Does a Mouse Infestation Smell Like?
What Does a Mouse Infestation Smell Like?

What’s that smell? You may be asking yourself this question when an unexpected odor permeates all or part of your home or business. One way to find out is with help from a pest control professional. But first, consider doing a visual check for telltale signs of a mouse infestation and then call in a NJ pest control service.

Mouse Signs

Just like road signs, mouse signs can point you in the right direction to where they’re located in your home. Here are a few things to look for along the mouse network of internal highways that crisscross your home.

– The smell of mice is distinct. This is due to their urine, which they leave behind when navigating unfamiliar territory resulting in the smell of ammonia. It’s one of their personal “signs” to let them know which way to go.

– What goes along with the urine is feces, which accumulates wherever they have their nests.

– You may notice oily stains and/or smears along baseboards, the bottoms of doors, and walls. This is due to mouse fur as it passes these areas in the night.

Whether you detect mouse activity for certain or you have a sneaking suspicion they’re making tracks throughout your home, contact Stern Environmental for a home inspection by one of our NJ pest control specialists. Call today so you can put up a sign of your own, “no mouse traffic allowed.”

Cockroaches, Commercial Services, News

Can Cockroaches Survive the Cold Fall Weather in New Jersey?

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

A NJ pest control professional is what you need to survive an onslaught of cockroaches who’ve adapted and know how to survive winter weather in New Jersey.

Cockroaches and the Wintertime Blues

To have survived over 300 million years on earth pretty much guarantees that cockroaches are here to stay whether it’s summer in the city of a winter wonderland.

Four species of cockroaches make the U.S. their home; German, American, Oriental, and Brown-Banded. Each has their own tolerance for surviving winter temperatures.

The American cockroach has a difficult time during the winter, which is why you’ll find them making their move to the inside during the cold months.

Oriental cockroaches have a higher tolerance for cold temperatures but that’s not to say you won’t find them in places such as basements and crawl spaces.

German cockroaches need water, food, and humidity and they’re good to go for the winter. If your home provides all three, you can expect these unwanted wintertime guests.

Last but not least, the brown-banded cockroach is a high roller, meaning, it likes to reside in high places. They like to be near sources of heat, such as stoves, ovens, heat vents, floor heaters, fireplaces, etc.

When you need help eliminating cockroaches from your home or business, you’re one phone call away from having NJ pest control experts at your door. Call Stern today and send cockroaches on their way.