The Most Common Pests in New York: What Every Homeowner Should Know

New York is known for its beautiful city parks, historic neighborhoods, and somewhat extreme seasons. Unfortunately, those same seasons bring along a wide variety of pests that invade homes all year long. From common New York bugs like bed bugs and carpenter ants to nuisance pests like cluster flies and stink bugs, New Yorkers face year-round challenges.

At Northern Pest Control, we know how overwhelming a pest problem can feel. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the most common pests in New York State, the health risks they pose, and the preventive measures you can take to avoid future infestations.

Bed Bugs: Small but Persistent

Bed bugs are among the most common pests in New York. These reddish brown insects primarily feed on human blood and are experts at hiding in bed frames, stored items, and even tiny cracks in walls or furniture. While bed bugs don’t directly transmit diseases, their bites can cause allergic reactions, itching, and sleepless nights.

Signs of bed bugs include:

• Small reddish brown stains on sheets or mattresses

• Eggs hatch in clusters hidden in seams and folds

• Itchy bites that often appear in lines or clusters

Because they spread quickly, professional pest control is usually the only reliable way to stop an infestation.

Stink Bugs and Asian Lady Beetles: Fall Invaders

As the weather cools in late summer and early fall, stink bugs and Asian lady beetles start looking for shelter. These nuisance pests don’t pose a serious health risk, but they can wreak havoc indoors.

• Stink bugs release a foul odor when crushed.

• Asian lady beetles look like red beetles, but they often bite humans when they feel threatened.

Both species invade homes through entry points like light fixtures, floor drains, and poorly sealed windows. Sealing cracks around your home is one of the best preventive measures.

Carpenter Ants and Other Wood-Destroying Insects

Carpenter ants are large ants with black bodies that can cause serious structural damage. Unlike termites, they don’t eat wood but carve tunnels through wooden structures and other wooden structures to build their nests.

You might notice small holes in beams, floors, or furniture. Left untreated, these social insects can wreak havoc on your home.

Flies and Pantry Pests

Flies are some of the most common insects in New York homes, and they will do just about anything to get their hands on food. Unfortunately, flies aren't alone in that pursuit. Here are some kitchen and pantry pests to look out for:

• Fruit flies and drain flies thrive near standing water and floor drains. We often see them around sinks and sometimes even in indoor plants.

• Cluster flies gather indoors during cold weather.

• American cockroaches, often mistaken for large beetles, spread diseases and contaminate stored food items, no matter what time of year.

These pests in New York homes aren’t just a nuisance; many can carry diseases, contaminate food, and create a serious health risk. It's important to work with professionals for pest control services as soon as you see signs of these pests.

Other Common Insects and Nuisance Pests

In addition to the pests we've mentioned, New Yorkers often encounter:

• House centipedes: Nocturnal insects that can bite humans when threatened.

• Yellow jackets: Aggressive stinging insects that deliver painful stings.

• Small rodents and small mammals: Invade homes, chew electrical wires and electrical wiring, and spread other diseases like parasitic worms.

Each of these species brings unique health risks, from Lyme disease carried by ticks to parasitic worms that transmit diseases through contaminated food.

Why Professional Pest Control Matters

DIY treatments often fail to address the root cause of an infestation. Many pests hide in tiny cracks, behind light fixtures, or within wooden structures where store-bought sprays won’t reach.

Professional pest control not only eliminates current infestations but also helps prevent future infestations by targeting entry points and applying safe, effective treatments. At Northern Pest Control, our team is trained to identify species, assess risks, and implement customized solutions that keep pests out of your home all year long.

Preventive Measures for New Yorkers

While no home is completely immune to pests, you can reduce your risk by:

• Sealing cracks and repairing entry points

• Cleaning up standing water around your property

• Storing food in airtight containers to deter pantry pests

• Checking wooden structures for signs of carpenter ants or powderpost beetles

• Scheduling regular inspections to prevent small infestations from growing

Protect Your Home from New York’s Most Common Pests

New York State is home to a wide variety of pests that can bite people, spread diseases, or even cause costly structural damage. From the most common pests like bed bugs and carpenter ants to other pests like stink bugs and cluster flies, infestations can escalate quickly without the right help.

If you’re dealing with pests in New York, don’t wait until the damage is done. Get a quote from Northern Pest Control today for trusted, professional pest control solutions that protect your family, your pets, and your property.