Contrasting seasons bring about a variety of pests to New York City. That’s why it makes sense to plan for them ahead of time.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Which seasons bring about the worst pests
- Why the weather plays such a prominent role
- How to spot infestations before they happen
- The primary ways to identify each pest
What Summer Pests Are the Worst in NYC?
Mosquitoes
According to recent studies, humidity plays less of a role in mosquito populations than temperature. This is especially true of species found along the Hudson River. However, there’s no doubt that mosquitoes seem to appear more during the humid summer months. That’s because warm seasonal rains bring about a wider variety of mosquitoes. Also, urban areas like New York tend to have more activity due to increasing stagnant water collection.
Fungus Gnats
All gnat species crave moisture. That’s why they’re so active during the summer months when people tend to overwater their plants. The added moisture content in the plant media (potting mix) tends to attract mold and fungus, and this is the perfect environment for fungus gnats. A top-secret hack only the pros use is to change plant media according to the seasons.
For example:
During the summer months: Switch to a thicker wood-based potting mix to allow for better drainage. This will enable you to water your plants more frequently without worrying about the pot developing fungus and mold.
During the winter months: Go back to your original potting mix since you won’t be watering as much.
What Fall Pests Are the Worst in NYC?
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are lintel-colored insects that feed off humans during the night. Most of the time, you don’t even know they’re with you. However, you’ll eventually find out after they’ve established themselves in your home.
One of the reasons they’re so prevalent during the fall is that people are coming back from overseas travel. Vacations come to an end, and travelers suddenly realize they brought back with them a few stow-aways.
Infestation levels rise as they spread throughout New York apartment buildings rapidly. By the time the holidays roll around, half your building is infested with bed bugs.
Stink Bugs
Somehow, stink bugs know winter is just around the corner. So, that’s why they look for a nice indoor spot like your home to overwinter. Also, they usually bring several of their friends and family members along with them.
However, try not to step on them. When squished, they give off a nasty odor. Some people describe the smell as rotten meat or a combination of sulfur and ammonia.
What Winter Pests Are the Worst in NYC?
Mice
Rodents don’t like the cold weather any more than humans, and mice are no different. They’re content to build nests in almost any room of your home. Wherever you have food lying around, mice will notice it. They also follow water sources through pipe entry points under flooring. For those two reasons, New Yorkers will always be at war with these furry little creatures.
Rats
Although rats are much heartier than mice, they still need a warm place to stay. And what better domain than the vast sewer system under NYC? After all, there’s plenty of food, water, and shelter there.
Rats are opportunists. They once only lived in forested areas. But when humans started building cities, they quickly adapted by stealing whatever they could. Now they’ve become just another part of the urban ecosystem.
What Spring Pests Are the Worst in NYC?
Pigeons
For some, assigning the name “flying rat” to the pigeon seems unfair. However, tell that to apartment dwellers who have to put up with this flying menace daily.
The mess these birds make is astounding. They leave several tons worth of waste products in the city each year, and they cause massive amounts of damage to buildings, bridges, and outdoor artwork.
Squirrels
Love is in the air during springtime in New York, especially for squirrels. Can you blame them? After all, it’s their mating season!
However, their sheer numbers make them a nuisance. They steal food from your bird feeders, and they have the nerve to come back the next day to try it again.
Key Takeaways
- Expect more flying pests in New York during the summer months.
- Check for bed bugs before coming home from summer vacation.
- Don’t step on stink bugs. Instead, call an exterminator.
- Expect rats and mice indoors during the winter months.
- Look for more pigeon and squirrel activity during the spring.