New York City is among the top metropolitan areas in the nation at risk for increased activity from disease carrying pests through the summer, according to a newly-released report from the National Pest Management Association.
The report lands as emergency departments have reported the highest weekly rates of tick bite visits since 2017 and mosquito-borne West Nile virus cases are on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New York City was one of 10 cities highlighted on the Public Health Pest Index by the non-profit organization. The included cities were not ranked numerically, but rather alphabetically.
Increased pest pressure may lead to health threats
“What we’re seeing right now should be a wake-up call,” said Dr. Jorge Parada, medical advisor for NPMA with a focus on infectious disease, said in a news release. “Increased pest pressure can directly fuel a rise in serious public health threats.”
Parada said that specifically, he is referencing Lyme disease from ticks, West Nile virus from mosquitoes and foodborne illnesses like salmonellosis spread by cockroaches and rodents.
“These risks are real, and the earlier we take preventive action, the better we can protect our health and communities,” he said.
What’s the expected increased pest activity in NY?
This year’s rapid shift from blizzard conditions to increasing temperatures left behind excess moisture that ticks, rodents and mosquitoes are quick to utilize, according to the report. If wet and warm conditions continue, pest pressure could ramp up faster than usual.
Why the increase?
In many cases – including in New York – a snowy winter or wet spring created conditions in which its ideal for ticks, mosquitos and other pests to breed, according to the report. In several southern cities, record warmth and dry air can push cockroaches, rodents and even scorpions seeking water and shade.
The top 10 list
According to the NPMA’s Public Health Pest Index, these cities are most at risk for the following pests:
Ticks in New York
Ticks can be found in many areas across New York. Although ticks are still active in cooler temperatures, spring and approaching higher temperatures increase the likelihood of exposure. Bites from an infected tick can transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease, the most commonly reported tick-borne disease within New York.
Over the last three years, New York averaged more than 17,500 new cases of Lyme disease each year, with nearly 19,000 cases reported in 2024 alone. Between 2024 and 2025 the number of ticks submitted to the SUNY Center for Vector-borne Diseases and Vector Biocontainment Laboratories increased by 145 percent.
The lab is also seeing more lone star ticks and dog ticks – previously not commonly found in Central New York – though deer ticks remain the most prevalent.
More: New York’s tick season could be the worst yet, experts warn
What can we do?
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NYC at risk for increased pest activity this summer
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
