Notes from the Green Truck

The newest in a summer-long progression of heat waves is prolonging insect reproduction cycles and activity in northern New Jersey. Ordinarily, Bergen County residents could count on a noticeable decrease in insect activity as fall approaches and nighttime temperatures start to drop into the low 50s and 40s. Unfortunately, this year’s unusual weather patterns promise [...]

As summer wanes and cooler fall weather arrives, certain insects move indoors, seeking shelter from winter’s cold inside northern New Jersey homes and commercial buildings. Stink bugs, boxelder bugs, lady bugs, Asian ladybird beetles and cluster flies are all insects that overwinter inside Bergen County buildings. As fall approaches, these insects slip into homes, office buildings, retail [...]

In the ongoing war between Man vs. Mosquito, man is hanging onto a thin advantage by a slender thread. This tiny, blood-sucking insect can deliver a knockdown punch well out of proportion to its size. Worldwide, more than 1 million people die each year from a laundry list of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, encephalitis, [...]

The hot, damp weather has spawned a surge in millipede and centipede populations in northern New Jersey. Some residents in Bergen, Morris, Passaic and Hudson counties have found their homes overrun by these many-legged insects that can scurry across floors or up walls in a flash.
Centipedes and millipedes have segmented, worm-like bodies with two pairs of short, fringe-like [...]

When hot summer weather comes to northern New Jersey, dog owners know it’s time to start checking Rover for fleas. Flea season in New Jersey begins in early spring when winter snows start to melt in March and continues through November’s hard frosts. If your dog or cat brings fleas into your Bergen County home, [...]

Stinging insects can put the bite on outdoor summer fun in Bergen, Morris, Passaic and Hudson counties in northern New Jersey and create havoc if these pests gain entrance to your home. Flies, ticks, bees, wasps and mosquitoes can make spending time in your Bergen County backyard more of a trial than a joy. Burning [...]

Ah, summer! When the livin’ is easy — until the first mosquito jabs you in the arm! Beautiful hot summer days and warm, breezy evenings encourage northern New Jersey residents to spend their time in outdoor pursuits. Unfortunately, obnoxious stinging insects can put a damper on your Bergen County summer fun and may even pose [...]

June brings warm summer breezes and brilliant blue skies to northern New Jersey, a welcome respite from our cold, dreary winters. Summer weather invites outdoor picnics, lazy beach days, romps in the park, trips to the pool and a host of other pleasant outdoor activities. Unfortunately, summer also brings stinging insect pests to Bergen, Morris, Passaic [...]

As the weather warms in late spring, adult Phyllophaga, commonly called June Bugs, emerge and begin to pester northern New Jersey homeowners. Big and noisy, these fat, round rust-colored beetles come out at night to buzz around porch, driveway and patio lights in Bergen, Morris, Passaic and Hudson counties. Although clumsy, both in the air and [...]

If you’re spending your Memorial Day weekend on or near the water, you may have noticed a long-bodied insect with large gossamer wings flitting about the water surface. Mayflies are aquatic insects found around rivers and other fresh water sources. Occasionally spotted in New Jersey backyards, hovering over swimming pools or flying around ponds, mayflies [...]