Tag Archives: NJ Commercial Pest Control

Asian Lady Beetles Proliferate in the Fall

Asian Lady Beetles

Colorful and harmless ladybugs serve a purpose in the food chain and many cultures consider them signs of good luck. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for their cousins, Asian lady beetles. Our NJ pest control technicians explain why you should be on the lookout for this fall invader.

Difference Between Lady Asian Beetles and Ladybugs

Ladybugs are more accurately known as lady beetles, and their colors and markings are similar to their Asian counterparts. The latter can be distinguished by a white spot behind the head along with a M-shaped black mark.

Why Asian Lady Beetles Are Not Welcome Visitors

As temperatures cool down in fall months, Asian lady beetles join other insects seeking shelter inside warm homes. Once inside, they’re not gracious house guests.

• Unlike the less aggressive native species, Asian lady beetles will bite. While not painful, their bite can result in allergic reactions such as hives, coughing and conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye.

• All lady beetles secrete a yellowish, foul-smelling fluid that can stain walls, furniture and carpeting.

• In rare instances, Asian lady beetles have been eaten by dogs who then developed ulcers in the mouth and esophagus.

Rely on Stern Environmental for Year-Round NJ Pest Control

Our NJ pest control technicians can safely and effectively handle unwanted insect and wildlife visitors from bed bugs and mice to raccoons and squirrels. Contact Stern Environmental to learn more.

Do Your Due Diligence – Do a Pest Inspection Before Moving In

Before You Move In Do a Thorough Inspections for Pests.
Before You Move In Do a Thorough Inspections for Pests.

Think a home empty of humans is empty of pests? Think again. The NJ pest control experts at Stern know that prolonged vacancies can result in squatters. Insects and rodents are quick to move-in when prior residents vacate, making a pre-purchase pest inspection essential to avoiding hair-raising situations.

New & Existing Buildings are Both Affected

When new building construction is delayed, as is common, and wood framing and interior components are exposed to moisture and humidity over time, pests are attracted to and thrive in these moist conditions. In existing homes, overgrown shrubbery and standing water likewise attract pests of all kinds, from rodents and stinging insects, to mosquitoes, creating major infestations in mere weeks.

What Pests Should You Be on the Lookout For?

Common pests in vacant homes and buildings include:

– Beetles feasting on damp wood, floor boards, paneling, drywall, and interior mold.

– Silverfish munching wallpaper paste.

– Springtails and booklice feeding on damp, moldy wood and paper materials.

– Termites hidden in structural framing, flooring, carpeting, wallpaper, and construction debris.

– Carpenter ants, common in new building sites, are attracted to moist construction debris.

– Cockroaches, a particular problem in city homes.

– Massive wolf spiders in homes located in/near wooded areas.

– Rodents near farms and wooded areas.

– Fleas, ticks, and bedbugs from previous occupants.

Ensure a new home that’s a safe haven for you and your family. Schedule a pre-purchase inspection with the NJ pest control pros at Stern Environmental today.

Top Five Spring Pests to Be on the Lookout For

Keep an Eye Out for Increased Pests This Spring and Summer
Keep an Eye Out for Increased Pests This Spring and Summer

You’re not the only one who can’t wait to get out and enjoy the spring weather. Spring pests are also jumping at the opportunity to enjoy the warmth, coming out of hibernation and creating NJ pest control nightmares. Luckily, you can prevent warm weather pest problems with early identification. What are the top spring pests to be on the lookout for?

Carpenter Ants

Insects such as carpenter ants seek food and shelter when weather warms, infiltrating and destroying the structure of your home. Piles of wood shavings beneath holes and rustling sounds within walls indicate an infestation.

Termites

Termites swarm and reproduce in the spring. They can cause a lot of damage in a short time, munching on your home or business. Swarmers, piles of wings, mounds, mud tubes on exterior walls, and crumbling wood should be an immediate concern.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito bites aren’t just irritating, they can make you and your pets very sick. Combat them and reclaim your yard with mosquito treatments.

Spiders

Spring season is spider season, and although most are harmless, poisonous and potentially deadly brown recluse and black widows require immediate attention.

Rats

Rats can transmit a number of diseases and pose a serious health threat. Close holes and gaps larger than a quarter quickly and seek timely treatment.

Put a freeze on spring pest problems. Identify problems fast with the help of the NJ pest control pros at Stern Environmental today.

Brace Yourself – Warm Wet Winters Cause High Levels of Spring Insect Pests

Warm Wet Winters Cause a Proliferation of Spring Insects
Warm Wet Winters Cause a Proliferation of Spring Insects

Everyone always gets excited when a warm spell hits during the cold winter months. It’s good to have a few nice days when you can open the doors and windows and let the fresh air come in. The problem is that with those really warm days, there is often a price to pay later on. Your NJ pest control specialists expect this spring to be prime for pests.

But what does that mean for you? Will your pest problems be out of control this year because of the nice weather you’re enjoying right now?

What Pest Populations Will Spike?

There are several types of pests that tend to see an increase in their populations when winter is warmer and wetter than usual. Among them are:

– Mice

– Mosquitoes

Cockroaches

– Termites

– Stink bugs

This is never good news for a New Jersey homeowner, but unfortunately, it is quite typical for this part of the country.

Your NJ Pest Control Specialist is Here to Help

At Stern Environmental, we understand the stress you feel when you find out you have a pest control problem. While we can’t do anything to change the weather conditions, there is a lot we can do to help you prepare for the upcoming spring. Along with giving you pest prevention tips, we can also assist you if you do encounter a pest control problem this year.

Contact us today so we can help!

Cockroaches Want to Hang with “Friends” Too!

You Won't Just See One!
You Won’t Just See One!

Most people may not give much thought to the physiological mechanisms that drive the reproductive strategies of cockroaches. That is okay. Scientists at Hokkaido University are researching it to benefit all of us. By understanding more about how cockroaches breed and live, we’re able to constantly improve our NJ commercial pest control services and utilize only the most effective methods to exterminate cockroaches and prevent future infestations.

Cockroaches breed better in groups

The Hokkaido University’s research was recently published in the Zoological Letters journal. You should first know that those prolific female cockroaches can reproduce just fine for several years without a male. Scientists discovered that asexual reproduction in cockroaches is better when females are in groups. Isolated females take longer to produce eggs. Lead scientist Hiroshi Nishino said that the group dynamic promotes asexual egg production.

Cockroaches are seldom alone. If you see one, there are likely many more that you didn’t see. Cockroaches can contaminate food and any surface they walk across with bacteria like Salmonella. They regurgitate on the food they eat and will also defecate on it. They are one of the most common causes of year-round allergy and asthma attacks.

Cockroaches put the well-being of your employees and customers at risk. You don’t want your business to have a reputation as infested with bugs. Contact Stern Environmental for a free consultation and the most effective NJ commercial pest control services.