Monthly Archives: December 2018

Bed Bug Information, Bed Bug News, News

More Research Proof on Bed Bug Transmission of Chagas Disease to Humans

Research Shows that Bed Bugs Can now Transmit Diseases Like Chagas Disease.
Research Shows that Bed Bugs Can now Transmit Diseases Like Chagas Disease.

Bed bugs are a nuisance. Not only do they travel and infiltrate multiple environments to feed on human blood, they are also a harbor for human disease-causing pathogens. How these pathogens have been passed to humans has been a cause for study with recent results showing evidence that bed bug feces is a possible way diseases are transmitted.

Chagas Disease

A report published in the Journal of Medical Entomology by researchers from New Mexico State University detailed their findings concerning disease transmission. Their investigation focused on the ability of bed bugs to carry Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease.

They conducted experiments that involved feeding bed bugs blood infected with T. cruzi. Results showed the disease pathogen settled in the bugs gut and survived in nymphs even after the bugs molted. Along with nymphs being hosts to the pathogen, it was also determined adult males that were fed infected blood could host the pathogen for up to 97 days.

Additional studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine showed that bed bugs were capable of transmitting the infection to mice.

NJ pest control services available through Stern Environmental include an inspection of your home for bed bugs. With a plan in place, NJ pest control technicians use the latest techniques and innovations to eliminate these bugs. Call our office today to set up an appointment for a bed bug free home environment.

Disease Carrying Pests, Pest Animal Removal, Rats

Flea-Carrying Rats Are Spreading Typhus in Homeless Camps in Los Angeles County

Rats Can Carry Infectious Diseases of their Own, on Top of Being Flea-Carriers.
Rats Can Carry Infectious Diseases of their Own, on Top of Being Flea-Carriers.

Los Angeles County is being hard-bit by an outbreak of typhus, which is affecting the downtown district of Los Angeles inhabited by homeless people.

The problem is due to filth accumulated on city streets from a variety of sources. In an effort to strike a blow against more typhus outbreaks, the city plans to increase its street cleaning efforts to eliminate the filth that’s attracting rats, which infect people who are bitten by infected fleas that have fed on the rats.

What is Typhus?

Typhus is often confused with typhoid due to the similarity in name, but they are two different diseases.

Typhus is carried by outdoor critters and household pets who are hosting infected fleas. Typhoid is transmitted to humans through either contaminated water or food.

The outbreak of typhus in the city has not only impacted the homeless population, it has also had an effect on business and working people.

Typhus Symptoms

The signs of typhus include abdominal pain, muscle pain, rash, and high fever. It can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it could lead to hospitalization.

Avoiding Typhus

Several things you can do include keeping your pets treated for fleas and block openings into your home. Also have a NJ pest control company do an inspection.

At Stern Environmental, our NJ pest control specialists have experience in handling flea infestations. To be flea-free, call our office and schedule an appointment.

Bed Bug Information, Bed Bugs

Are You Checking These Unusual Spots for Bed Bugs? You Should!

Could You Have Bed Bugs?
Are You Checking These Unusual Spots for Bed Bugs? You Should!

Bed bugs are making their presence known more and more around the world. These wily pests are travel savvy and know how to get around, which means more places are prone to an infestation.

Hide and Seek

As noted, bed bugs are known travelers whether it’s on a plane, train, city bus, subway, taxi, or school bus. They hide in many places while in travel mode such as suitcases, totes, computer cases, socks, jackets, etc. If there’s a place to snuggle down in a dark cozy place to hide, bed bugs will find it.

Some of the favorite bed bug hiding places include the following:

• Sofas and chair seams

• Curtain folds

• Furniture joints such as seams in drawers

• Holes in electrical sockets

• Libraries

• Hotel rooms

• Movie theaters

• Schools

• Day Care Centers

• Offices

• Retail stores

• Medical facilities

Help reduce the possibility of bed bugs in your home by sealing cracks and crevices, eliminating clutter, vacuuming often, and using protective mattress covers.

Professional NJ pest control services have got your back when it comes to a bed bug infestation. With the latest equipment and treatment options, bed bugs don’t stand a chance.

To schedule a free inspection with a NJ pest control specialist, contact Stern Environmental. We believe you should “get Stern” when it comes to getting bed bugs under control. Call us today.

Pest Animal Removal, Rats, Residential Services

Norway Rats Will Persistently Try to Harbor Inside Your Building

Rats Can Indirectly Carry 15 Different Kinds of Diseases
Norway Rats Will Persistently Try to Harbor Inside Your Building

One thing is certain and two things are for sure, which are that rat’s exist and that they need food and warmth to survive. To achieve this, a rat will take advantage of any and all opportunities.

Wily Rats

Rats have been around for a very long time because they are survivors. They are wily when it comes to finding food resources and just as inventive when it comes to finding ways inside your home to tap into those food sources.

During wintertime when the temperatures make being outside an unpleasant ordeal, rats will take advantage of any opening they can chew or claw their way through to get inside, where it’s warm and cozy. Rats start to put their plan of action to be safe, warm, and well fed during the winter into play during the fall.

Preventing Rats

The first step in eliminating rats from entering your home is to check for any openings and seal them. The next step is to remove any outdoor food sources such as bird and squirrel feeders. Your third step is calling in a NJ pest control company to do a thorough indoor inspection.

Our NJ pest control specialists at Stern Environmental are trained and experienced in eliminating the problem of rats in your home or on your property. For help from one of our NJ pest control professionals, contact Stern Environmental at your earliest convenience.

Pest Control, Rats, Residential Services

Rats and Garbage – Fueling the Spread of Dangerous Typhus in Los Angeles

RatLos Angeles could use the services of NJ pest control technicians in their battle against rats, which are creating a massive health problem for the city.

Typhus Zone

The downtown district near Ceres Street – dubbed Skid Row – and surrounding city blocks (totaling 54) have become a breeding spot for rats and typhus. With over 4,000 homeless people making the streets their home combined with the trash, human waste, discarded food, and clothing, it has earned the name “typhus zone. ”

The number of typhus cases has escalated to 92 since the summer. Some of the cases are in Pasadena and in Long Beach. Overall, the county has estimated around 60 cases each year, which has also increased to double what the county has experienced in past years. This is according to data from the Los Angeles Health Department.

In an effort to clean up the area, the city is using all available resources, such as increasing garbage pickup and utilizing a task force to clean sidewalks.

Rat Prevention

To help prevent a rat infestation in your home or yard, keep food sources unavailable, protect outdoor pets with a preventative flea regimen, and seal entry points to your home. For added prevention, employ the services of a NJ pest control company to inspect and eliminate any current or potential pest problems. Call Stern Environmental to find out more about the processes available to make your home rat-free.