New York City’s Recent Pests: Smoke From Fires, Now Aphid Swarms

Martin DuPain returned home from a brief stroll on Thursday afternoon coated in a multitude of tiny airborne creatures. These critters had invaded his hair, clothing, and even his nasal passages, expelling with a sneeze.

In addition to the smoke and fog originating from Canadian wildfires, New York City has recently been infested by swarms of flying insects. These pests have become an irritant and also a subject of intrigue – their origin, species, and the possibility of their departure is being questioned. Are these another uninvited gift from Canada?

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Initially, DuPain, a Queens resident, assumed it was ash propelled by the wind. However, he soon discovered some of the particles were alive and mobile, prompting him to shower immediately.

These peculiar circumstances led to one Twitter user humorously labeling the situation a “gnatural disaster.” The platform has been alive with accounts of bug swarms in certain areas, while others remain uninfested.

People caught in these insect clouds attempted to swat them away. Some shielded their mouths and noses while others donned surgical masks before stepping outside.

Professor David Lohman, an entomologist at the City University of New York, identified the insects as winged aphids from the photos and videos on social media, dispelling assumptions they were gnats.

Aphids, which are tiny, pear-shaped insects that appear in various colors, are prevalent across the United States, including New York City. However, the swarming is peculiar as these bugs usually don’t emerge in New York City until post-summer. Lohman suggests that warm winter temperatures may have disrupted the aphid’s biological clock.

On Friday, Lohman sought aphid experts’ opinions. According to aphid specialist Natalie Hernandez, aphids fly throughout the growing season and disperse when the colony becomes overly crowded. The Canadian wildfires and extreme temperatures might also be influencing their behavior, she proposed.

Andy Jensen, another aphid researcher, concurred with the plausible theory, suggesting that the smoke could allow aphids to remain abundant longer into the summer.

Despite the infestation, the city’s Public Health Department assured there was no cause for alarm, stating, “While this may be annoying, these insects do not present a known public health risk.”

Bug experts predict the swarms will soon disperse, much to the relief of individuals like Jeremy Cohen, who felt bombarded by what he initially assumed was wildfire debris while cycling in Brooklyn. He later realized he was in the midst of an aphid swarm.

Despite the annoyance, Lohman found delight in the abundance of insects, interpreting it as an indication of an organic New York. He remarked, “If pesticide use was widespread, there wouldn’t be this many aphids.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aphid Invasion in NYC

More about Aphid Invasion in NYC

• Understanding Aphids
• Impact of Climate Change on Insect Behavior
• The Effect of Wildfires on Insects
• City University of New York Entomology Department
• New York City Public Health Department