Tag Archives: NJ Home Pest Control

Bed Bug Information, Bed Bugs, News, Residential Services

Selling Your Home or Condo? Know the Fine Print Disclosures on Bed Bugs

Selling Your Home, Make Sure You Know What to Say About Bed Bugs
Selling Your Home or Condo? Know the Fine Print Disclosures on Bed Bugs

An urban epidemic – as bed bug problems continue to proliferate, these pests have made their way into co-op and condominium contracts. A recent new New York State law requires landlords to disclose past bed bug infestations prior to rental. However, there has been confusion in the real estate sales industry over disclosure requirements, and the NJ bed bug control experts at Stern want you to be aware of the new legal requirements.

NY State’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal Requires Sales Disclosure

The division’s form includes a checklist, clearly stating whether bed bugs have been detected on home/condo premises, and whether eradication measures have been taken. There is currently no penalty for non-compliance, though buyers who aren’t given a disclosure can file a complaint. Nancy Peters, a spokeswoman for the division, clarified that renters and buyers of apartments, homes, condos, and co-ops must follow this law in real estate transactions.

Bed Bug Disclosures Already a Part of Many Negotiations

Home buyers are more commonly requiring bed bug disclosures as part of negotiations, with ‘bed bug riders’ added to contracts requiring the signature of sellers. Stipulating, “The seller has no knowledge of the existence or presence of bed bugs in the unit either currently or in the past,” which makes sellers legally responsible for omissions.

NJ bed bug control measures falling short? Eradicate bed bugs for good with the help of Stern Environmental today.

Pest Management, Rodent Control

Incredible? Chocolate Being Tested as Rodent Control Bait

Incredible? Chocolate Being Tested as Rodent Control Bait
Incredible? Chocolate Being Tested as Rodent Control Bait

Who doesn’t love the luscious taste of chocolate? Apparently even rodents have a fondness for the sweet treat. Could chocolate become an effective tool in our NJ pest control treatments?

The Lure of Chocolate

In an effort to reduce use of poisons, the biosecurity team in Greater Wellington, NZ has been conducting a novel experiment using chocolate as bait in self-setting rodent traps. Testing is taking place at Te Ahumairangi Hill, a heavily wooded area running through the Town Belt of Wellington.

Results are being tracked by ink-covered cards placed in tunnels to capture footprints. So far the test has been a success, with the rodent population remaining at low levels.

Benefits of “Sweet” Traps

Senior Biosecurity Officer Paul Horton explains the benefits of using chocolate as a rodent lure:

– Birds aren’t attracted to the smell of chocolate, making them less likely to get caught in traps.

– Chocolate bait lasts for six months and traps can kill two dozen rodents before being replaced, reducing the need for staff to spend time checking them.

Urban Ecology Manager Daniela Biaggio adds that this innovative plan is a safe way to maintain diversity of wildlife in an urban environment.

State-of-the-Art NJ Pest Control 

Stern Environmental Group uses the most current and effective methods in our NJ pest control programs. Contact us today to get peace of mind with a pest-free home, office or business.