Tag Archives: Attic Pests

What to Know About Attic Raccoons in New Jersey

Our One Way Tunnels Let Raccoons Out and Not Back Into Your Attic
Our One Way Tunnels Let Raccoons Out and Not Back Into Your Attic

Female raccoons, much like their human counterparts, have a strong nesting instinct when it comes to raising a family. But what happens when mama raccoon chooses your home for her nest? Here’s why NJ raccoon control is so important during nesting season.

What’s That Noise in the Attic?

If you discover a raccoon in your attic, chances are good that it’s a female who’s seeking a comfy home for her brood. While nesting season can vary in different parts of the country, March is usually the peak time for raccoon births. Unfortunately, male raccoons kill babies that don’t belong to them, which is another reason for females to seek shelter.

Unlike squirrels and other wildlife, raccoons don’t build elaborate nests. The mother raccoon will simply shred insulation in the attic until there’s a sufficient amount to burrow inside. Raccoons create “latrines” around nests for depositing their feces and urine, which often carry parasites and bacteria that pose a serious health threat to humans.

Maternal Instinct of Female Raccoons

If you find a raccoon prowling around your home, always assume there are babies nearby. Separating a mother from her brood is never a good idea, so it’s best to seek help from NJ raccoon control professionals for safe removal.

Safe and Humane NJ Raccoon Control by Stern Environmental

Our trained technicians have extensive experience removing raccoons, squirrels and other wildlife invaders. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Winter Living – Where Do Rats Go in the Winter?

Wildlife are Cute, but Beware the Diseases they May Harbor.
Wildlife are Cute, but Beware the Diseases they May Harbor.

During the winter months, rats need to find warm, dry places to get out of the cold. Where do these rodents end up going for shelter when it’s freezing outside? You might find them in any of the following places:

Residential and Commercial Buildings

Rats can make their way into homes, businesses and other structures, such as sheds or garages. These places provide them with a warm, insulated place to stay out of the cold. This behavior keeps NJ rat control professionals busy in winter, since these rodents can spread disease and cause other problems.

Cars and Trucks

Cars and trucks that aren’t used often, or at all, provide shelter for rats. These pests can get into engine compartments and vehicle interiors where they’ll build nests and travel back and forth through the ventilation system.

Underground Dens

Rats don’t always invade human spaces when they’re looking for warm shelter during winter. Some make underground dens or burrows to stay in when it’s cold outside. These dens give them a dry and warm place to survive.

Caves

Rats that remain in outdoor areas during winter sometimes seek shelter in caves. They’re able to store a large amount of food in these caves before winter arrives, so they won’t have to forage in the cold.

If you need professional NJ rat control for your commercial business, please contact Stern Environmental.