Monthly Archives: February 2019

Ants, Cockroaches, Commercial Services, News

Brace Yourself – Warm Wet Winters Cause High Levels of Spring Insect Pests

Warm Wet Winters Cause a Proliferation of Spring Insects
Warm Wet Winters Cause a Proliferation of Spring Insects

Everyone always gets excited when a warm spell hits during the cold winter months. It’s good to have a few nice days when you can open the doors and windows and let the fresh air come in. The problem is that with those really warm days, there is often a price to pay later on. Your NJ pest control specialists expect this spring to be prime for pests.

But what does that mean for you? Will your pest problems be out of control this year because of the nice weather you’re enjoying right now?

What Pest Populations Will Spike?

There are several types of pests that tend to see an increase in their populations when winter is warmer and wetter than usual. Among them are:

– Mice

– Mosquitoes

– Cockroaches

– Termites

– Stink bugs

This is never good news for a New Jersey homeowner, but unfortunately, it is quite typical for this part of the country.

Your NJ Pest Control Specialist is Here to Help

At Stern Environmental, we understand the stress you feel when you find out you have a pest control problem. While we can’t do anything to change the weather conditions, there is a lot we can do to help you prepare for the upcoming spring. Along with giving you pest prevention tips, we can also assist you if you do encounter a pest control problem this year.

Contact us today so we can help!

Animal Control, Green Pest Control, Pest Control

Keep Out Winter Warmth Seeking Pests with These Tips

Keep Out Winter Warmth Seeking Pests with These Tips
Keep Out Winter Warmth Seeking Pests with These Tips

It’s no secret that the winter months are a “hot” time for certain pests. Mice are among the most common critters that are seen in New Jersey homes. A lot of people have just come to think of them as par for the course this time of year. But there are several ways to keep them out.

How to Keep Mice Out During Winter

If you see a mouse in your house, you can bet there are more, somewhere. They multiply quickly, which is why if you see one, you need to act quickly. Prevention is always the best solution, so follow these tips:

– Take down any birdfeeders that are outside your home.

– Keep hedges and bushes well trimmed.

– Walk around the outside of your house and close any cracks or holes with caulk.

– Seal up any food that is in your kitchen.

Taking these simple steps can drastically cut down on any rodent problems you might have this winter.

When to Contact NJ Residential Pest Control

There are some rodent problems that can be difficult to control on your own. Sometimes even the best prevention steps don’t work for one reason or another. But NJ residential pest control can take on those tough problems.

At Stern Environmental, we pride ourselves on a job well done. Our goal is to rid your home of mice giving you your peace of mind back. Contact us today.

Bed Bug News, Bed Bugs, News, Pest Control, Pest Eradication, Pest Management, Pest News

Do You Have Bed Bugs or a Bed Bug “Faker”?

Do You Have Bed Bugs or a Bed Bug "Faker"?
Do You Have Bed Bugs or a Bed Bug “Faker”?

You think you might have bed bugs, but you’re not completely sure. The fact that you have doubts is a good thing. A bed bug infestation is a real problem, and it’s one that can literally keep you up at night for months.

But it’s possible that you don’t even have bed bugs at all. There are several other pests that look just like them. As your NJ pest control specialists, we’d like you to know more about them.

Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

Your “bed bug” problem might be something else entirely. This might be a relief, but it also might worry you that it could be something much worse. The first step is to properly identify what the pest is. These are the bugs that are often mistaken for bed bugs:

– The spider beetle

– Cockroach nymphs

– Bat Bugs

– Carpet beetle

– Book lice

Before you panic, you should talk with a NJ pest control specialist. They will be able to tell you exactly what type of problem you have.

Your NJ Pest Control Experts Are Here to Help

At Stern Environmental, we understand how it feels when you think you might have a bed bug problem. In reality, that could be what you’re dealing with, but you’ll want it diagnosed by a professional. We can help you with that, as well as help you with their extermination. Please contact us to learn more.

Disease Carrying Pests, Mice, News, Rats, Rodent Control

Why Getting a Cat Isn’t the Answer to Rat and Mouse Problems

Why Getting a Cat Isn't the Answer to Rat and Mouse Problems
Why Getting a Cat Isn’t the Answer to Rat and Mouse Problems

Farms and country homes often keep “mousers” around to control rodent problems, but is that the answer for NJ pest control? Surprisingly, recent studies indicate the solution may not be that simple.

Do Cats Deserve Their “Killer” Reputation?

Domestic cats have long been considered aggressive and effective predators. That view seemed to be supported by a 2017 study which found that cats played a part in the extinction of more than 60 vertebrate species around the world.

However, the fierce reputation of cats took a hit with a study published in the September 2018 issue of Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. A team of researchers spent five months observing a colony of approximately 150 rats at a Brooklyn waste management facility with the original intent to study animal pheromones.

Playing the Cat-vs-Rat Game

During the final 79 days, the project evolved into a study of cat-rat interactions. Scientists were taken aback to find that cats attacked a total of only three rats, and one actually survived.

Two possible reasons were suggested for the results:

– Urban rats are notoriously large, so cats may opt for easier prey such as birds and mice.

– Rats tend to seek cover when they sense the presence of cats.

NJ Pest Control Removes All Traces of Mice and Rats

Before you stock up on kitty litter, contact Stern Environmental. Our commercial NJ pest control programs eliminate rodent problems efficiently and discreetly.

Pest Animal Removal, Pest Management

Even in Winter, Apartment Property Owners Fight Pest Infestations

Even in Winter, Apartment Property Owners Fight Pest Infestations
Even in Winter, Apartment Property Owners Fight Pest Infestations

Birds may head south for the winter but cockroaches, mice and other pests prefer to stay close to home. When it comes to NJ commercial pest control, there’s no offseason for apartment property owners. How do you keep these unwanted insects and animals out in the cold?

Apartment Buildings = Easy Living

Apartment buildings are even more attractive to pests than single-family homes. When food, water and other resources are exhausted in one unit, they can find shelter and fresh supplies in the next one.

The German cockroach is one of the more common pests found in apartment buildings. While these insects are annoying, the greater danger is the health risk presented by E. coli, Salmonella and other diseases transmitted by cockroaches.

Winter Pest Prevention

Successful pest prevention plans in apartment buildings require the cooperation of management, staff and residents.

– Create an ongoing education program to inform staff and residents about the dangers of pests and tips such as maintaining a clean apartment.

– Warn residents about the use of over-the-counter pesticides, which are often ineffective and may present a greater risk to humans than insects.

– Schedule regular inspections to watch for signs of infestations.

Prompt and Efficient NJ Commercial Pest Control

Our NJ commercial pest control technicians use the safest and most effective methods available to eliminate cockroaches, mice and other nuisances. Contact Stern Environmental to schedule a thorough and professional inspection.