Category Archives: Bed Bug Resources

Dont Let Bed Bugs Disrupt Your Spring Break Plans, Here’s What To Look Out For

Spring Break is Here! Make Sure Bed Bugs are Not!
Spring Break is Here! Make Sure Bed Bugs are Not!

Photos, t-shirts and suntans are great, but bed bugs are one souvenir you don’t want to bring home from spring break. Our NJ pest control experts fill you in on the telltale signs of bed bugs and how to avoid them.

Physical Features and Behavior

Bed bugs are small brown insects approximately the size of an apple seed. They feed on human and animal blood, so they take on a swollen, reddish appearance after feeding.

While bed bugs don’t generally carry diseases, their bites can become itchy and irritated. Bites are usually found around the ankles or other areas where skin is exposed during the night. Other common signs of bed bugs are blood or rust-colored stains on linens, pillows, pajamas and mattresses.

Tips to Avoid Bed Bugs

• Immediately examine the bed, including sheets, blankets, pillowcases, mattress and box springs. Pay close attention to seams and crevices.

• Bed bugs love to latch onto clothing, so check the closet and dresser drawers.

• Keep luggage on a stand or shelf instead of on the floor.

• If you suspect the presence of bed bugs, notify the front desk at once and request a different room.

Bed Bugs Are No Match for NJ Pest Control from Stern Environmental

Removing bed bugs on your own is difficult and frustrating. Contact us for effective and eco-friendly extermination of bed bugs and other pests.

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 Don’t Just Stay At Home – Bed Bugs Found At 911 Dispatch Center

Bed Bugs Are Everywhere... Even 911 Dispatch Centers.
Bed Bugs Are Everywhere… Even 911 Dispatch Centers.

People tend to think of bed bugs as being pests that are typically found in bedrooms. But we’re seeing more and more stories about people finding them in schools, in libraries, and even on public transit buses. Your NJ pest control experts came across a story about bed bugs infesting a 911 dispatch center in the Bronx, and even we were surprised at that one.

A Lengthy Infestation That Was Largely Ignored

Most people would assume that if bed bugs were found at a 911 dispatch center, the problem would be corrected right away. But that’s not what happened in the Bronx. In fact, employees reported that the problem went on for at least two weeks, but NYPD refused to do anything about it.

Bed bugs can multiply rapidly once they get established, so the call center’s lack of action only made the problem worse and more expensive to treat.

It didn’t take long for the bed bugs to spread. What started in a training room on the sixth floor quickly moved to other areas of the facility, including in the vendor and lobby areas. Steaming treatments did nothing but drive the bugs to other parts of the building.

It’s Time to Call NJ Pest Control

The best time to call NJ pest control professionals is before the problem gets out of hand. At Stern Environmental, we use the latest technology to deal with bed bugs fast. Contact us for help.

Good News, NYC Isn’t The Worst For Bed Bugs – Bad News, It’s Second Worst

What to Know About Bed Bugs.
What to Know About Bed Bugs.

There’s good news and bad news about bed bugs in the NYC area. These pests have been increasing in many cities around the country, but some places have been hit worse than others. How did NYC do in terms of bed bug problems?

Second Place for Bed Bugs

NYC didn’t come in at number one on a recent report on bed bug incidents. However, the city did come in at number two just behind Philadelphia. NYC had a total of 1,178 bed bug violations reported between July 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019. Certain parts of the city have had more problems with bed bugs than others, such as Flatbush and West Harlem. With so many bed bugs around, it’s important for property owners to know what to do about these pests.

Bed Bug Prevention Tips

Bed bugs can get into your home on luggage, clothing, secondhand items and other objects. Always inspect used items and luggage before bringing them into your home, and check for signs of bed bugs in your home or building on a regular basis. If you spot any, you should get NJ pest control services to deal with them as soon as possible in order to stop a larger infestation from forming.

If you have bed bugs or other pests in your commercial or residential property, contact Stern Environmental for reliable NJ pest control services.

Landlord vs. Tenant, Who’s Responsible For Bed Bug Treatment?

Who Is Responsible For Bed Bugs?
Who Is Responsible For Bed Bugs?

Warm-blooded humans are the favored target of bed bugs, which makes apartment buildings an attractive home for them. When it comes to treatment for bed bugs, is NJ pest control the responsibility of the landlord or tenant?

Dealing with a Bed Bug Infestation

This question was recently put to the test for a couple living in a Plattsburgh, NY apartment. According to Dan Hill, he and his wife Kim found numerous bed bug eggs under the arm of a chair, underneath their mattress and throughout their apartment. The pair disposed of their bed, couch and chairs and were forced to replace them with folding chairs and an air mattress.

Kim decided to shave her head rather than deal with the daily procedure of removing bed bugs from her hair. When Dan reported the situation to landlord Scott Booth, Dan claims that they were threatened with eviction.

Bed Bug Removal: Who’s Responsible?

Upon learning of the story, a local TV station contacted Jim Welch, an inspector with the Plattsburgh Housing Code. According to Welch, bed bugs found in a single apartment would be the responsibility of the tenant, but if they’re discovered in more than one apartment, the landlord is required to take action.

Your #1 Choice for NJ Pest Control

Don’t let bed bugs take over your home or building. Contact Stern Environmental for safe and effective removal of bed bugs and other common indoor pests.