NYC’s Biggest Pest Problem Isn’t What You Think It Is, Study Says
Roaches, and rats, and bed bugs, oh my! Apparently, NYC’s biggest pest problem isn’t part of this notorious trio. It isn’t even the newly-loathed spotted lanternfly or “ManhattANT,” believe it or not. So, which critter holds the honors?
What’s NYC’s biggest pest problem?
Excel Pest Services did some digging to uncover which creepy crawlers send shivers down our spines and revealed pretty eye-opening findings. Although we are not the dirtiest city in America, Excel says we do rank pretty high on the list and earned the fourth-worst state in the US for pest infestations.
While bed bugs are the pest New Yorkers search the most, this year has seen an alarming uptick in stink bugs. Ick! These unwelcome guests had the highest increase in searches verses last year, with an 85% surge over the past 12 months, according to the study.
Pest removal expert and CEO of Excel Pest Services, Ryan Fowley, said, “New York’s dense population and booming tourism make it a hotspot for stink bugs. These little pests love crowded places and can easily hitch a ride on your clothes or luggage.”
Further findings from Excel indicate that stink bugs enjoy munching on fruits, plants, and plant-eating bugs, and they will gravitate toward a place where there’s sun exposure. It’s likely that they’re out and about during the summer, but they will try to venture your way in the winter in search of shelter through cracks in the wall, piping systems, and so forth. (Can’t say we blame ’em, right? Plus, we’re due for rapid-fire storms of rain and snow this winter.)
To avoid these unwanted visitors, make sure you seal any gaps, cracks and window openings — you can clean your window screen with a dryer sheet to help prevent friends from arriving — keep an eye on greenery, and make sure stones and firewood find a location away from your foundation. But hey, if pests are the sort of thing that don’t bother you, why not check out one of NYC’s late-night rat tours. Who needs The Met?!
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