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Pests and pest control in New York

Pests to know in New York

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Pests documented in New York

From public GBIF occurrence records since 1990. A record means a species was documented in New York, not that it's common near you.

Many public records (871)

Fewer public records (124)

Range named by extension sources (3)

Termites in New York

Cornell IPM notes that subterranean termites build narrow mud tubes on foundation walls, posts and building walls, and that wood embedded in earth or set on cracked concrete floors is susceptible.[2]

Invasive species reported here

Cornell IPM asks New Yorkers to report spotted lanternfly sightings, especially outside known infested areas, to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.[3]

Pests local experts flag

  • Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in New York, and blacklegged (deer) ticks live in shady, moist areas at ground level, clinging to grass and brush.[4]
  • Cornell IPM says bed bug infestations, first recognized in the tourism industry in the late 1990s, are now common in homes, and recommends bringing samples to a local Cornell Cooperative Extension office for ID.[5]
  • Carpet beetles were among the most common indoor insect submissions to Cornell's Insect Diagnostic Laboratory in 2019.[6]

Public agencies that handle pests

The New York State Department of Health collects ticks across the state and tests them for disease agents to map where people are at risk of tick-borne illness.[4]

Hiring a licensed company

New York's pesticide regulatory agency is the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (Division of Materials Management, Bureau of Pest Management).[1]

Licensing agency: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation — Division of Materials Management, Bureau of Pest Management[1].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

Cornell's Insect Diagnostic Laboratory identifies insects and related arthropods from submitted samples or photos for a small fee and offers management suggestions.[6]

Local guides in New York

Through the year

Winter to Spring
Winged termites emerge in spring swarms between February and May to start new colonies, according to Cornell IPM.[2]
Summer
West Nile virus is considered endemic in New York State and is generally found in at least part of the state each summer.[7]

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. Cornell Integrated Pest Management, “Termites | Cornell IPM.” cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/termites (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. Cornell Integrated Pest Management, “Spotted Lanternfly | Cornell IPM.” cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/spotted-lanternfly (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. New York State Department of Health, “Lyme Disease and Other Diseases Carried by Ticks.” www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. Cornell Integrated Pest Management, “Bed Bugs | Cornell IPM.” cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/bed-bugs (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. Cornell University, Department of Entomology, “Insect Diagnostic Laboratory | CALS.” cals.cornell.edu/insect-diagnostic-laboratory (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. New York State Department of Health, “West Nile Virus (WNV).” www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/ (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-06. Every statement on this page comes from the cited state, federal or university source. Spot an error? Tell us.