Tag Archives: Seasonal Pests

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.

Incredible? A County in California Says Climate Changes “Make Pests Hungrier”

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

The impact of global warming on humans and the environment has been a controversial topic for some time. What implications does global warming hold for NJ pest control? Experts predict the results could produce a ripple effect touching other environmental issues.

Some Like It Hot

In general, warmer temperatures tend to boost insect appetites and stimulate their reproduction. Pests currently consume 20 percent of corn, wheat, rice and other crops cultivated for food. But for every increase of 2°F above global historical average, that amount is projected to increase 10 to 25 percent.

Fighting Higher Pest Populations

There are a couple of options that may mitigate this change with varying degrees of success:

– Farmers may increase use of pesticides, but that could present even greater risk of environmental damage. In addition, scientists believe there’s a possibility that insecticides have already reached optimum effectiveness.

– Populations of predatory insects such as spiders, grasshoppers and beetles will also grow due to higher temperatures. Their presence can serve as a natural suppression of more destructive pests.

Year-Round NJ Pest Control Services from Stern Environmental

Our professional NJ pest control technicians have extensive experience successfully removing bed bugs, cockroaches and other insects as well as larger wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels.

Do you suspect an infestation in your home, office or business? Contact us today to schedule a careful and thorough inspection.