Tag Archives: rodents

Incredible? Pest Tech Finds Rifle Loaded Clip and Extra Bullets Inside Rodent Trap in Florida

Crazy Rodent Pest Control Story
Crazy Rodent Pest Control Story

Our NJ pest control experts are used to dealing with a wide range of insects and wildlife. A pair of technicians in Florida recently made an unexpected “catch” when they discovered one of their traps containing live ammunition.

An Unusual Form of “Bait”

Last September the technicians were making the rounds of rodent traps they had set in the San Messina neighborhood of Weston, FL. They were surprised to find a loaded rifle clip and spare bullets inside a trap located in a relatively quiet area.

Traps are rebaited once a month, so the ammo had likely been there for less than four weeks. But since the items were rusty, police believe ammo had been in the trap for at least several days.

Who’s Behind It?

For safety purposes, the traps are locked, but the ammo appeared to have been placed inside via the pest portal. Police took possession of the items and they’re concerned that someone, possibly even a child, was attempting to hide the ammo.

William Black, one of the technicians, expressed concern about their find. He termed it “creepy,” particularly in light of the violent acts that have been in the news over recent years.

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Our state-of-the-art NJ pest control services are safe and effective for all environments. Contact Stern Environmental Group to schedule an inspection by our friendly and experienced technicians.

NYC Rats: Where Do They Go When It Gets Cold?

Where do Rats go During the Wintertime?
Where do Rats go During the Wintertime?

When you own or operate a commercial business, one area that can be problematic is dealing with unwanted rodents entering the building. This is a year-round issue but especially troublesome during the winter months when rats are looking for warm places to hunker down.

What are Rats Looking for in a Hiding Place?

Like other outdoor residents, their primary concern is finding a warm place to inhabit followed by access to food sources and water.

Garbage cans inside and outside of a building are prime targets for food; standing water and dripping faucets provide hydration.

If there are areas inside their targeted building where food is stored, cooked, or eaten, then any opening, crack, or crevice left unattended will allow them to access to these areas.

Where are Prime Hiding Places Located?

Do a visual inspection to find sources of access such as split screens on windows or doors, gaps around doors and windows, behind air conditioning vents, behind the walls, and in the ceiling.

Rats are masters at managing their way into what may seem like an impossible opening. Being aware of popular hiding places allows you to repair/secure these areas.

What Should You Do?

The answer is to schedule an inspection with NYC rodent exterminator specialists. Professional technicians are adept at ferreting out hiding places and eliminating unwanted rodent residents.

If you need the assistance of NYC rodent exterminator experts, contact Stern Environmental.

NYC Pets Can Catch Leptospirosis – What You Need to Know

Don't Let Your Pet Catch This Disease from City Rats!
Don’t Let Your Pet Catch This Disease from City Rats!

One individual has just died from Leptospirosis in the Bronx. This is an infection that’s caused by coming into contact with rat urine.

Considering the fact that there are so many rats in New York City, it’s understandable that many people are fearful. They’re not only concerned about themselves, they’re also concerned about their pets – specifically their dogs. For dog owners, NYC rodent control is an absolute must.

One Unconfirmed Canine Death in NYC

There has been one unconfirmed canine death due to Leptospirosis in the Bronx. Veterinarians say that the condition is rare, and they usually only see a few cases a year. In this particular case, the dog was said to have received a vaccine for the infection, but still died from it.

Protecting Your Dog From Leptospirosis

Dog rescue groups are urging dog owners to protect their dogs from this infection. Any dog that spends a lot of time outside should receive the vaccine.

Rats often urinate in soil, in puddles, and even in lakes and ponds. Any of these can quickly become contaminated, making it easy for dogs to contract Leptospirosis. Once they have it, they can easily pass it on to their human owners.

At Stern Environmental, we know the importance of NYC rodent control. Our goal is to protect you and your best friend as much as possible. If you have a rat problem, we can help. Contact us.

White Baby Squirrel Makes the New Jersey News

White Squirrels Exist?! Yes They Do, But They Can Still be Pests.
White Squirrels Exist?! Yes They Do, But They Can Still be Pests.

As any property owner who has had to have NJ squirrel removal services knows, these mammals can be major pests at times. Squirrels can damage gutters, spread parasites and cause other problems. However, these furry pests can also be adorable at times, as one baby squirrel in NJ shows.

Special Baby Squirrel

A litter of orphaned squirrels got some special attention last year when rescuers discovered that one of them was born with all white fur. Baby squirrels are usually gray, which helps them stay hidden from predators. One of the five orphans found in NJ had pure white fur instead, which is the rarest color for squirrels to be. This coloring results from genetic anomalies or mutations that also cause white squirrels to have red eyes rather than dark ones.

Life in the Sanctuary

The orphaned squirrels are being cared for at Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, where they are safe from predators and kept well-fed. This is important for the white baby squirrel, since it’s harder for squirrels of this color to hide from predators. Fortunately, this little squirrel will likely be able to continue living in safety at the sanctuary.

If you have squirrels on your property that are being a nuisance, our NJ squirrel removal services can help. Contact Stern Environmental to learn more about these services for your property.

Video Shows Norway Rats Harboring in Tree Roots

Rats Can Indirectly Carry 15 Different Kinds of Diseases
Rats Can Indirectly Carry 15 Different Kinds of Diseases

Here’s some information that property owners may not be aware of: a rat’s ability to live in the massive root system of large trees. In Boston, rodentologist Bobby Corrigan shared his expert observation of just such an occurrence in a city park.

At the base of old, mature trees within the park, a network of roots created the opportunity for rats to tunnel into holes and access a network of openings around the tree. Evidence showed that the rats used multiple openings for entry and exit routes as well as bringing in food sources and nesting material. It was estimated the “tree house” would hold up to a dozen rats.

If your property has trees with massive above ground root systems, it’s recommended you hire a NYC rodent specialist to inspect the area. With proven systems, methods, and techniques, whether a single tree or multiple trees are affected, the extent of the root-based rat population can be determined and eliminated.

Having a rat infestation in your home or business or anywhere on your property creates an unhealthy situation. If you suspect there’s a problem, don’t allow the rat population to expand, which could result in rodents finding their way inside your home or business.

For fast, efficient help with rodent removal, contact a NYC rodent specialist at Stern Environmental. Our experienced staff will suggest a plan of action to make your property rodent-free.