Pests to know in Albany
Termites in Albany
New York State IPM at Cornell says termite colonies release winged reproductives in spring swarms from February to May, and shed wings signal a newly established colony.[7]
Invasive species reported here
NYS Agriculture and Markets reports spotted lanternfly finds on Staten Island, in all New York City boroughs, Long Island, Ithaca, Binghamton, Newburgh, the Buffalo area and other communities.[8]
Pests local experts flag
- Albany County health officials warn that many deer ticks throughout the county carry the Lyme disease bacteria, putting all residents at risk.[2]
- The New York State Department of Health calls Lyme disease the most common tick-borne disease in New York and says blacklegged ticks favor lawn and garden edges near woods and old stone walls.[4]
- New York State has about 70 mosquito species, but the state health department says only certain ones have been linked to West Nile virus.[5]
Climate
Central Albany (ZIP 12207) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6a, where the average coldest winter night is -10 to -5°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Albany County Department of Health says bats, foxes, raccoons and other animals still spread rabies in the county, though human cases are rare.[1]
- The Albany County Department of Health educates residents on preventing tick-borne disease and hands out tick removal kits with prevention information.[1]
- The county health department lists raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, cats and woodchucks as the top six animals found with rabies in Albany County.[2]
Hiring a licensed company
Free local help
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County offers plant, insect and disease identification, and can send samples on to Cornell University when needed.[3]
Through the year
- Summer to Fall
- West Nile virus is considered endemic in New York State, and the state health department says most people are infected in summer to early fall.[5]
Sources
- Albany County Department of Health, “Albany County Department of Health 2024 Annual Program and Services Report.” www.albanycountyny.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/59559/639173625582100000 (accessed 2026-10-17)
- Albany County Department of Health, “HEALTHtoday newsletter.” web.archive.org/web/20250505083101/www.albanycountyny.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/596/636982988121600000 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County, “Pests & IPM.” albany.cce.cornell.edu/gardening/pests-ipm (accessed 2026-10-06)
- New York State Department of Health, “Lyme Disease.” www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- New York State Department of Health, “West Nile Virus.” www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, “Pesticide Applicator/Technician Certification.” dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/pesticides/pesticide-applicator-technician-certification (accessed 2026-10-06)
- New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, Cornell University, “Termites.” cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, “Spotted Lanternfly.” agriculture.ny.gov/spottedlanternfly (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 12207 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/12207.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)