Are Raccoons Sleeping Off The Winter In Your Attic? Here’s What You Should Know

Are Raccoons Sleeping Off The Winter In Your Attic? Here’s What You Should Know
Are Raccoons Sleeping Off The Winter In Your Attic? Here’s What You Should Know

Raccoons are one of the more easily recognizable members of the animal kingdom, but not a face you want to see in your home. Our NJ pest control experts share information you should know about raccoons as house “guests”.

Raccoon Habitats and Eating Preferences

While raccoons live primarily in woodlands and marshes, they can survive in any place that has a ready source of water. Food is seldom a problem as raccoons are omnivorous, eating whatever is available from birds, fish and small mammals to fruits and nuts.

Unfortunately, the tendency of raccoons to eat anything can result in serious damage to their surroundings. Raccoons pose a major threat to agricultural areas, where they feed on crops and kill poultry. Residential areas are susceptible to torn-up lawns as raccoons look for insects and earthworms.

When Raccoons Venture Indoors

Attics, chimneys, decks and crawlspaces are popular winter hideouts for raccoons. Thanks to their nocturnal nature and quiet demeanor, raccoons can easily hide indoors undetected for long periods. Even more dangerous than the threat of destruction is the health risk posed by raccoons, who are known to carry rabies and roundworm.

Need NJ Pest Control? Contact Stern Environmental

Our trained and experienced NJ pest control technicians will remove raccoons and other nuisance wildlife from your home safely and humanely. Contact us at Stern Environmental for more information.

Should You Be Proactive Or Reactive About Bed Bug Control?

Should You Be Proactive Or Reactive About Bed Bug Control?
Should You Be Proactive Or Reactive About Bed Bug Control?

When it comes to dealing with bed bugs, should you take a proactive or reactive approach with NJ pest control services? Since these pests have become more common in recent years, it’s important to understand how to deal with them.

Reactive Approach

A reactive approach means that you wait until you have a bed bug problem in your home. Once you find signs that you have these pests, you then you should get in touch with pest control professionals to eliminate infestations.

Doing it this way means you could be dealing with a large infestation, especially if you didn’t notice these bugs soon enough. This can turn into a costly pest control treatment.

Proactive Approach

A proactive approach means you take steps to lower your risk of having bed bugs invade. It’s not always possible to completely prevent bed bug problems because these pests easily travel from place to place. However, proactive pest control measures can help.

These measures include having your home inspected on a regular basis to see if there are any signs of a bed bug problem. If so, you can have it dealt with sooner rather than later. Being proactive also means following the advice of pest control professionals on how to reduce your risk of bringing bed bugs into your home.

If you need NJ pest control in your home for bed bugs, contact Stern Environmental right away.

What Kind of Roaches Live In NYC? What To Know

What Kind of Roaches Live In NYC? What To Know
What Kind of Roaches Live In NYC? What To Know

Like most insects, cockroaches come in a variety of different species. Our NJ pest control experts share important information about roaches commonly found in NYC.

Physical Characteristics

American, German and Oriental cockroaches are generally dark-colored, brownish or black, with antennae and six legs. While some types are relatively small, cockroaches can grow to more than two inches long, making them easy to spot.

Behavior

Cockroaches come indoors in search of food and water. They’re able to make their way inside cracks, under doors and through any small openings. Sometimes, roaches are transported into homes and buildings via food products and other boxes or packages.

Dark, damp areas such as basements and crawl spaces are preferred living spaces for cockroaches. As they look for food and water, roaches may be found in kitchen drawers and cabinets, or behind appliances.

Health Risk

Based on their habit of frequenting dumpsters, sewers and other garbage sites, roaches are well-known transmitters of disease. In addition to contaminating food and cookware with more than 33 types of bacteria, cockroaches can trigger allergic reactions as they shed their skins. Children are particularly susceptible to these dangers.

Protect Your Health with NJ Pest Control 

Cockroaches are only one of the pests affecting NJ homes and businesses. Our trained technicians have experience in removing insects and wildlife safely and effectively. Contact Stern Mold to learn more about our integrated pest management services.

Small Bug, Big Problem: Library Pays $22,500 To Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Small Bug, Big Problem: Library Pays $22,500 To Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Small Bug, Big Problem: Library Pays $22,500 To Get Rid of Bed Bugs

When it comes to bed bug infestations, it’s important to handle them the right way and as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could end up having a highly expensive problem that you’ll need professional NJ pest control experts to deal with. A public library in the Midwest found this out the hard way.

Costly Bed Bugs

The Des Plaines Public Library in Illinois had a bed bug problem that cost them more than $22,000 to fix. These pests were found in several locations in the building and required extensive treatment to eliminate. Even with this treatment, library officials admit that it’s hard to completely get rid of these pests. The library staff now has pest control professionals come by to do inspections on a regular basis.

Libraries and Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have been found in other libraries in the U.S. over the past several years. These pests can easily travel from someone’s home to the local library by hiding inside library books. This is a good reminder to check library books and any other used or secondhand items you bring into your home to make sure that bed bugs and other pests aren’t lurking inside.

If your home or business has bed bugs, contact Stern Environmental as soon as possible for help. We offer effective and dependable NJ pest control services for bed bugs and other pests.

Bed Bugs, Roaches, and Rats, Oh My! One Local Queens Family’s Struggle

 

Bed Bugs, Roaches, and Rats, Oh My! One Local Queens Family's Struggle
Bed Bugs, Roaches, and Rats, Oh My! One Local Queens Family’s Struggle

Dealing with bed bugs is enough to send you in search of NJ pest control services. But what happens when you include roaches and rats in the mix? One family in Queens is facing that struggle right now.

Pests Pit Tenant Against Landlord

Lutfa Moni and Sohel Ahmed are locked in a legal battle with their landlord, Setam Realty Associates. The lawsuit they filed in Queens Housing Court claims that the company failed to address their problem of pest infestation and the couple has been the subject of harassment since making the complaints.

According to Moni, their apartment has been overrun with bed bugs, mice and roaches since 2010. Extermination appears to have eliminated the bed bugs, but rats have recently turned up. She and Ahmed believe they’re being “punished” since Setam lost a 2016 bid to evict them.

Who’s at Fault?

For Setam’s part, they allege that the couple is chronically delinquent with rent, owing $18,000 in arrears. While the landlord says Moni and Ahmed are the only residents who have bed bugs, city records document complaints from other tenants dating back to 2013. Issues cited include peeling plaster, lack of heat and faulty elevators along with pest infestations.

Turn to Stern Environmental for Effective NJ Pest Control

No one should have to live in a pest-infested home. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our cheerful and experienced NJ pest control experts.