Category Archives: Rats

Rats

From Menace to Friend: Rats

It’s funny how much media has a sway on poplar belief. One could think, “Eww! Rats are gross,” and never even dream of owning one as a pet. That very same person could then see an adorable rat in a movie, and fall head over heels. The funny thing is, until the new movie “Ratatouille,” rats were a common pest that caused grown men to sound loud shrieks and women to jump up on chairs, in sheer terror. Come on, would you get a pet rat? One would guess that you should watch “Ratatouille” before answering that question because many did, and now rats are a house pet must have.

Since Disney/Pixar released “Ratatouille,” the popularity of pet rats has gone way up for pet businesses, especially during this holiday season. Some shops are swamped with requests for these furry little critters, which is quite remarkable due to the fact that rats are a common household enemy, and on the exterminator’s top priority list. Although, kids see rats differently, and sorry to say it, but they’re right. Rats are actually not stinky, and they happen to be quite clean, despite their dirty, sewer-dwelling image.

Hollywood has portrayed rats in a negative light for many, many years. This may be why, when a rat runs through the room, people press the panic button and pandemonium breaks loose. The amazing thing is that, all at once, the image of the disgusting rat has been inverted to a loveable friend and, perhaps, even a member of the family. Think about what other truths Hollywood could get people to swallow.

Commercial Services, Mice, Pest Control, Rats, Residential Services

Stern Introduces Innovative Track & Trap Mouse Eradication Solution

Do you have mice nibbling in your pantry? Do you find little brown mouse turds in your silverware drawer (ugh!)? Do your cereal boxes have gnaw marks on them? Stern Environmental Group can get rid of your mouse problems fast using our innovative smart Track & Trap solution! We don’t just trap a mouse or two. With our new system, we find the entry hole and seal out ALL of the mice, completely solving your problem. Our new mouse eradication system is perfect for restaurants, industrial settings, multi-family units and homes. It’s safe, environmentally friendly and highly effective.
How does it work?
  • First, Stern mouse control experts install a special mouse tracking box packed with tasty mouse treats that the little critters find irresistible. Unbeknownst to the mice, the box housing the snack bar also contains a special powdered fluorescent chemical. While the mice jostle around the buffet table, the chemical adheres to their feet and bodies.

  • When the mouse is stuffed and waddles home, he leaves a telltale trail our mouse experts can follow. (See photos.)

  • Our mouse eradication experts track the glowing paths using a special UV light to pinpoint the exact locations of entry points and nests. We completely seal all access points so mice can’t get in. If the nest is located in the home, the tracking system tells us where to set our traps to remove every last critter from your home, safely and without dangerous chemicals that could harm your children or pets.

To learn more about our innovative Track & Trap mouse eradication solution, click the post title. If mice are nibbling at your patience, call the pest control experts at Stern Environmental Control today. You’ll sleep well tonight when your get “Stern” with your pests.

Commercial Services, Mice, Pest Control, Pest Management, Rats

Dust from Toxic Rat Droppings on Food Containers Can Kill!

In Maui, Hawaii, a stock clerk was sent to clean up a storeroom. It was filthy and he noticed dried mouse or rat droppings in some areas. A couple of days later, he called in sick with what he thought was the stomach flu — sore joints, headaches, vomiting. He went to bed and never got up! Within two days the clerk was severely ill and weak. His face and eyeballs turned yellow and his blood sugar plummeted. He was rushed to the emergency room where he suffered massive organ failure and died within hours.

A fast-acting virus in the dried rat/mouse droppings killed this young man. Once dry, the droppings disintegrate into a dust that can easily be breathed in or ingested if protective gear is not worn and if exposed skin is not thoroughly washed. The clerk was exposed while sweeping the storeroom.

It’s a cautionary tale for the rest of us. At some time between manufacture and consumption, canned and boxed food stuffs are stored in a warehouse. Warehouses and sometimes even supermarkets may harbor rats or mice, even those in upscale neighborhoods. Protect yourself and your family from possible infection by ALWAYS carefully washing off the tops of canned sodas or canned foods with soap and running water and wiping off pasta packaging, cereal boxes, etc.

If you can’t wash off a beverage can before drinking from it, use a straw. An investigation by the the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta discovered that the tops of soda cans can be encrusted with dried rat urine which is toxic and can be lethal. Canned drinks and other food stuffs may be infected by rat droppings or urine during storage in warehouses. They are rarely properly cleaned before being transported to retail outlets and plunked on the shelves to be purchased by unwary consumers.

Protect yourselves and your family. It takes but a moment to remove any potentially harmful residue from food packaging. You wouldn’t think of eating an apple from the market without washing it first. Remember that the next time you reach for a soda.

For information on pest control and management, visit the Stern Environmental Group website. If you’re a store or warehouse owner, call us if you think you might have a rodent problem. Make sure you do everything you can to protect your customers. Click the post title for information about our commercial pest control and pest management services. You — and your customers — will sleep well tonight when you get “Stern” with your pests.