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5 Most Popular Pests in Northern NY

By Pestech Pest Solutions
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Struggling with a pest problem in your home or business? We’ve got you covered with information on the five most common pests in northern New York and where you can expect to find them.

1. Rats and Mice

In recent years, infestations of rats and mice have increased in northern New York homes, offices and schools. Rodent infestations are possible year-round, but are most present during the winter. Mice often make their homes in attics, under eaves and in walls.

If you suspect a rodent infestation, seal all openings that may connect your space to the outside. Make sure to put food away or seal as tightly as possible. Finally, discard any leaf piles near your property, as these are a common rodent hiding place.

2. Alfalfa Snout Beetles

Initially from Europe, alfalfa snout beetles were first detected in New York in 1896. Alfalfa snout beetles feed on hops, perennial legumes, alfalfa and clover plants in northern New York. The beetles can lay up to 500 eggs in soil — usually in early summer — and the damage is not often detected until after the final harvest of the year.

For this reason, plant death and injury resulting from snout beetles may be attributed to winter conditions. Farmers know of only a few methods to detect these beetles: beat bucket sampling, sweep net sampling and field scouting. If detection occurs, the only way to kill these common pests in northern New York is to introduce microscopic worms, or nematodes, into the fields.

3. Bed Bugs

Bed bug infestation has seen a rise in upstate New York since 2010 in hotels, nursing homes, college dormitories, government buildings, apartments and other residencies. Bed bugs favor warmer temperatures and are most prevalent during August and September.

These blood-sucking pets can find their home anywhere — inside electrical switch plates, wallpaper, folded areas of bedding and furniture, in cracks and even behind baseboards.

4. Marmorated Stinkbugs

Marmorated stinkbugs were first spotted in New York over a decade ago in the Hudson Valley. Although they pose no threat to humans, they expel an awful smell when crushed. You can usually spot these bugs during the fall when they look for places to stay warm and safe during winter. These pests live in the attics or walls.

As with other pests, it’s crucial to prevent stinkbug invasion by sealing open cracks and holes in walls and keeping food sealed.

5. Flies

Many people view flies as harmless compared to other pests. However, flies native to upstate New York like fruit flies and house flies are known to carry diseases and bacteria.

Fruit flies have bright red eyes, tan or black bodies and are quite small. They are most common in late summer and early fall because they like to seek out fermenting fruit and vegetables.

House flies are a dull gray color and about one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch in length. They lay dormant in nooks and crannies during the winter and come out to lay their eggs in spring. To prevent a fly infestation in your home, make sure to fix all leaky pipes and ripped screens. Never leave food out on counters or other open surfaces.

What Other Pests Can You Find in Northern New York?

There are over 700 insect species known to exist in the state of New York. Here are other insects to watch out for:

Call Pestech Pest Solutions to Schedule an Inspection

Make sure your home or business is protected against these common New York pests! Call our reliable team today or contact us online to request services from a Pestechnician.