Pests to know in Buffalo
Termites in Buffalo
Cornell Cooperative Extension describes the eastern subterranean termite as a native New York species that usually takes years to do extensive structural damage, so it often goes unnoticed until harm is done.[5]
Invasive species reported here
- Box tree moth, an invasive caterpillar pest that can strip and kill boxwood shrubs, is established in western New York, where researchers are seeing two generations per year.[7]
- New York's Department of Agriculture and Markets lists the Buffalo area among the places in the state where spotted lanternfly has been found.[8]
Climate
Central Buffalo (ZIP 14202) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6b, where the average coldest winter night is -5 to 0°F.[11]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Erie County's Rabies, Disease & Vector Control Program investigates complaints about standing water and neglected swimming pools that can breed mosquitoes.[1]
- The Erie County Department of Health does not inspect for or exterminate insects; rodents are the only pests it handles directly, and residents are referred to state-certified applicators for everything else.[1]
- The county's Rodent Control Program answers rat complaints for homes of four units or fewer that are not part of an apartment complex or commercial property, and its baiting service is free.[2]
- The New York State Department of Health tests mosquito pools in Erie County, and that surveillance has found West Nile virus in local mosquitoes for multiple years.[4]
Local rules and responsibilities
Erie County health officials remind residents that keeping every garbage can covered with a tight-fitting lid is a legal requirement, not just good practice.[2]
Hiring a licensed company
Every business location in New York that offers or provides commercial pesticide application must register with the DEC and employ an applicator or technician certified in each category it works in.[9]
Free local help
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County runs a Master Gardener hotline, staffed both in person and remotely, for home gardening and plant-pest questions.[10]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Ticks become active above 45°F; in Erie County, nymph blacklegged ticks peak from mid-May to mid-August, while adults are active March to mid-May and again mid-August to November.[3]
- Winter to Spring
- Cornell's New York State IPM Program says established termite colonies send out winged swarmers in spring, from February to May; seeing them indoors means a thorough inspection is needed.[6]
Sources
- Erie County Department of Health, “Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods.” www3.erie.gov/envhealth/arthropods (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Erie County Department of Health, “Rats and Rodent Control.” www3.erie.gov/envhealth/rats-and-rodent-control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Erie County Department of Health, “Ticks.” www3.erie.gov/envhealth/ticks (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Erie County Department of Health, “Diseases carried by insects a continued concern in Erie County.” www3.erie.gov/health/press/diseases-carried-insects-continued-concern-erie-county (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Cornell Cooperative Extension (Nassau County), “Homeowner's Guide to Eastern Subterranean Termites.” ccenassau.org/resources/-termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Cornell University – New York State IPM Program, “Termites.” cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, “Box Tree Moth.” erie.cce.cornell.edu/invasive-species/box-tree-moth (accessed 2026-10-06)
- New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, “Spotted Lanternfly.” agriculture.ny.gov/spotted-lanternfly (accessed 2026-10-06)
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, “Business/Agency Pesticide Information.” dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/pesticides/business-agency-information (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, “Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County.” erie.cce.cornell.edu/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 14202 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/14202.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)