Category Archives: Bed Bug Detection Dogs

NYC Housing Authority Logs 200,000 Bed Bug Complaints In Two Years

Bed Bugs  Are a Real Problem in the NYC Metro Area
Bed Bugs Are a Real Problem in the NYC Metro Area

Ever wonder just how big an issue NJ pest control is? During the last two years, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has received an incredible 200,000 complaints about bed bugs and roaches in public housing.

Pest Complaints by the Numbers

Data was shared with the New York Daily News by Legal Aid Society, which recently filed a Freedom of Information request with NYCHA. Overall numbers are disturbing:

• Between January and September 2019, Harlem’s Grant Houses logged a total of 1,000 complaints. out of which 894 were for roaches.

• During the same period, the Pomonok Houses in Queens led the way with 156 work orders for bed bug removal. The Wagner and Grant Houses were next with 129 and 106 respectively.

Seeking a Solution

Legal Aid Society is heading up a group of advocates lobbying the state of New York for an additional $2 billion in funding for NYCHA. On the plus side, Legal Aid Society and NYCHA are citing a year-to-year decline in bed bug and roach complaints along with improved response times.

NYCHA spokesperson Rachel Goldblatt says treatment is now focusing on prevention as well as extermination. Bed bug complaints are considered an emergency and receive priority scheduling.

Experienced NJ Pest Control from Stern Environmental

Our trained NJ pest control technicians provide safe and effective extermination for all types of insects and wildlife. Contact Stern Environmental to learn more.

Common Sense Tips for Dealing with a Potential Bed Bug Infestation

Common Sense Tips for Dealing with Bed Bugs
Common Sense Tips for Dealing with Bed Bugs

NJ pest control experts know bed bugs are a pain. The biting, itching, and overall grossness of an infestation inspires people to do some crazy things. Worse, it’s not uncommon for the general public to overreact when bed bugs are reported in the vicinity, assuming every itchy bump on their body a bed bug bite. How bad is your bed bug problem – and do you really have one at all?

Common Sense Tips for Potential Infestations:

Don’t assume

Just because you have a few itchy bumps or bites doesn’t mean you have bed bugs. Misidentifying pests won’t resolve your pest/bite problems, so until you’ve determined the issue keep your home clean.

Bed bugs like to hide in cracks and crevices. Steam-clean regularly and empty vacuum cleaners frequently.   

Gather evidence.

If you don’t see traces of bed bugs inside the box spring or under the mattress, bed bug traps and monitors can help identify hidden pests. 

Be wary of DIY solutions.

Pesticides labeled for bed bug eradication available at local hardware stores are frequently misused. Worse, many bed bugs have developed a resistance to these chemicals, to which you may be uselessly exposing your family.

Rent? Property owners are legally responsible for resolving bed bug issues. State health inspectors can offer help or mandate remediation.

Are those bed bugs bites?

Resolve your fears with the help of the NJ pest control experts at Stern Environmental today.

NJ Department of Human Services Offers Bed Bug Tips

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

Sleeping should be a relaxing, worry-free necessity, and if it’s not, why is that? There could be a long list of reasons why you are having trouble sleeping peacefully. If you are a New Jersey local the main reason could be because of unwelcome guests.

According to the NJ Department of Human Services, bed bugs are infiltrating a number of households, dormitories, hotels, and other popular establishments.

Is it time to hire experts in NJ pest control? What can you do to stop those creepy bed bugs from spoiling your sleep? Below are a few tips offered by informed human services authorities:

Covering Your Tracks

Like most unwelcome guests, bed bugs tend to leave a path of evidence in their wake. Look out for bug bites, blood trails, brown stains on bedding, and even their shed skins. Here’s what you can do to stop bed bugs from striking again:

– Hire someone who is a currently licensed NJ pest control exterminator.

– Find out if the company you’re considering uses chemicals that are considered dangerous to your health.

– Bag any infested articles of clothing or bedding and either dispose of them or wash them in water 120 degrees or hotter.

Contact Stern Environmental for an appointment today! Our NJ pest control experts are knowledgeable and willing to help you rediscover your sound sleep! We eradicate bed bugs with methods that keep you and your loved ones safe!

EPA Weighs In on Bed Bugs – Getting Them Out and Keeping Them Out

What the EPA Wants You to Know About Bed Bugs
What the EPA Wants You to Know About Bed Bugs

The bad news; bed bugs are considered a public health pest by the Centers for Disease Control, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Department of Agriculture. The good news; bed bugs are not known as transmitters of disease.

Bed Bug Basics

One reason bed bugs have increased is due to their mobility, which includes being adept at world travel. With thousands of people traveling in and out of cities around the globe, it’s no wonder the bed bug population has increased as the wily bugs stow away in luggage, carry-ons, totes, clothing and anything else that’s handy.

Bed bugs are also masters at hiding as they prefer dark and cozy places. Their small size works to their advantage as they find places to hide and wait for their buffet – served up by humans. They’re focused on finding handy hiding places that range from headboards and desk drawers to storage boxes and under mattresses.

Regular over-the-counter pesticides don’t work; only treatments applied by an experienced NJ pest control service can rid your home of pests so you can avoid red and itchy bites.

Using NJ pest control is the answer when bed bugs invade your home. Once these bloodsucking pests settle in, it takes professional techniques and equipment to get them out and keep them out. For help with eliminating bed bugs and sleeping peacefully again, call Stern Environmental for a free home inspection.

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.