Category Archives: Pest Management

Incredible? CRIPSR Gene Technology Used to Alter Pest Population Breeding

Incredible? CRIPSR Gene Technology Used to Alter Pest Population Breeding
Incredible? CRIPSR Gene Technology Used to Alter Pest Population Breeding

It isn’t enough to come up with the best ways to provide NJ pest control services. While we use the most modern methods, we have to admit that it’s necessary to go even deeper into the problem. That means being able to control and manipulate the way certain pests breed. That is exactly what researchers have done.

Introducing a New Gene Editing Tool

CRISPR is the new gene editing tool that is being used to change some of the key genes that determine sex and fertility among certain types of insects. It uses a precision-guided sterile insect technique, or pgSIT. When altered eggs are inserted into populations of the insects, the result is astounding. Only adult males that are sterile emerge.

What Insects are Being Targeted? 

The New World Screwworm Fly is one insect that was actually eradicated because of the use of this type of technology. Today, mosquitoes are being considered as the most likely candidate for it. They have the ability to spread so many diseases, and CRISPR could change that drastically.

For Now, NJ Pest Control is Here to Help

It may be some time before we see this technology come to fruition. At Stern Environmental, we want you to know that we’re here to assist with any of your pest control needs. Whether you’re bothered by mosquitoes in the summer, or you have a rodent problem during the winter. Contact us.

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.

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.

Top Poisonous Spiders Found in New Jersey

Don't Be Afraid of Spiders - We'll Exterminate Them!
Don’t Be Afraid of Spiders – We’ll Exterminate Them!

Spiders are very common in NJ. The good news is that many of them aren’t the types that you need to worry about, since they don’t have a venomous bite. The bad news is that there are a few venomous spiders found in NJ office buildings that you should be concerned about. If you have any of these potentially dangerous spiders around, you’ll need professional NJ office pest control services to deal with them.

Brown Recluses

These small, brown spiders are known for lurking in places that are well-hidden, such as boxes or closets. Brown recluse spiders can deliver a serious bite that requires prompt medical care. However, some bites don’t produce noticeable symptoms at first, which can make them hard to detect early.

Black Widows

Black widows are easily recognizable with their black coloring and bright red hourglass marking on their belly. These spiders can also be found in closets and other areas that provide them with a dark, hidden environment. Black widows can bite if they’re disturbed, which can lead to nausea, abdominal cramping, and other symptoms in some individuals.

Sac Spiders

These spiders are mainly found outdoors, but some can make their way inside. Yellow sac spiders have bites that are more venomous than other sac spiders and require medical care.

If you have spiders in your building, contact Stern Environmental for more information on our NJ office pest control services.

Crickets – a Top Winter Nuisance Pest for Offices

Cricket Chirping Can Make You Crazy
Cricket Chirping Can Make You Crazy

Chirping crickets are a common sound in NJ on hot summer nights, but these pests can also become indoor nuisances in office buildings during winter. If you have these pests around this winter, you’ll need NJ office pest control to eliminate them before they can cause damage.

Cricket Behavior in Winter

Crickets seek warm places to stay during the colder winter months in NJ. In some cases, this can mean office buildings. Crickets can enter through any gaps or cracks in the building’s foundation or around windows and doors. Once they’re indoors, they’ll stick around and feed on certain materials, which can cause damage to office supplies and equipment.

Crickets are able to thrive in the right indoor environments, which allows them to eventually reproduce when the weather gets warmer. This, in turn, leads to a bigger cricket problem in offices.

Preventing Cricket Problems

How can you reduce your risk of having to deal with a cricket problem this winter or next spring? Having your building inspected is a good first step to ensure that you don’t have these pests around already. Making sure that window and door frames throughout your office building are sealed up also helps prevent crickets and other pests from being able to get inside your building when they’re looking for shelter during winter.

If you need NJ office pest control for crickets or other pests, contact Stern Environmental.