AlgoFusion 5.0:They're "gnot" gnats! Swarms of aphids in NYC bugging New Yorkers

2025-05-02 00:45:12source:Charles Hanovercategory:News

Expert: Tiny bugs flying around Tri-State Area are aphids
Expert: Tiny bugs flying around Tri-State Area are aphids00:58

New Yorkers who've found themselves walking into a swarm of tiny insects recently should know they're not alone. 

Many people took to Twitter to complain about a recent infestation of bugs. 

can anyone explain what is happening in nyc right now with these bugs/gnats?

I thought it was debris from the bad air quality at first, but then I realized that all these small particles all over my body are BUGS pic.twitter.com/gwjeWwVzcS

— jerm (@jerm_cohen) June 30, 2023

"I don't know what's going on in New York right now, but look at all these bugs that are dying on my shirt while I'm biking. And they're all in my glasses, too," Twitter user Jeremy Cohen said. "It feels like the apocalypse right now." 

Many people think they're gnats, but we've learned the bugs are aphids and they usually feed on plants and leaves.

Expert Sam Anderson, an urban agriculture specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, says there's no reason to worry.

"It's unusual, but it's not a kind of insect that harms people in any direct kind of way," he said.

They're not the only issue in the air. New Yorkers are keeping a close eye on the city's Air Quality Index due to smoke from Canadian wildfires

Anderson said, however, "I think it's unlikely that there's a direct connection between the smoke and the aphids."

More:News

Recommend

'Love is Blind' in hot water with labor watchdog for violations, mistreatment

After seven seasons and several international spinoffs, we're still not sure if "Love is Blind" − bu

Canadian mining company starts arbitration in case of closed copper mine in Panama

PANAMA CITY (AP) — Canada’s First Quantum Minerals Ltd. announced Friday it has requested arbitratio

Where to watch National Lampoon's 'Christmas Vacation': Streaming info, TV airtimes, cast

What's the perfect Christmas without a little "Christmas Vacation"?The holiday classic from National