New York City and several other cities in the state are facing a significant bed bug problem, with multiple locations appearing on recent lists of the worst-infested cities in the United States. Here’s an overview of the bed bug situation in five New York cities:
New York City
The Big Apple ranks as the second-worst city for bed bugs in the country, according to Orkin’s annual “Top 50 Bed Bug Cities” list. This dubious distinction has been consistent for two consecutive years, highlighting the ongoing struggle with these pests in the nation’s largest city. The high population density, constant influx of tourists, and abundance of multi-unit housing contribute to the spread of bed bugs in NYC.
To combat this issue, New York has implemented new legislation:
- Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law requiring landlords to notify tenants about bed bug infestations within 72 hours.
- Landlords must file an Annual Bed Bug Report every December, disclosing any infestations from the previous year.
- The city lists bed bugs as a Class B violation, considered hazardous, giving landlords 30 days to correct the problem.
Buffalo
Buffalo has made it onto the list of cities with significant bed bug problems, though it has shown some improvement. The city dropped 13 spots on Orkin’s list, barely making it into the top 50. This suggests that while bed bugs remain a concern, Buffalo may be making progress in controlling infestations.
Syracuse
Syracuse is another New York city grappling with bed bug issues. It has been identified as one of the cities in the state dealing with substantial bed bug problems. The exact ranking or severity compared to other cities is not specified, but its inclusion on the list indicates an ongoing challenge with these pests.
Albany
The state capital, Albany, is also contending with bed bug infestations. Like Syracuse, it has been recognized as one of the New York cities facing significant bed bug issues. This suggests that the problem is not limited to just the largest metropolitan areas but affects various urban centers across the state.
Yonkers
Yonkers, a city in the New York metropolitan area, has been identified as one of the worst cities for bed bug infestations in New York. Its proximity to New York City may contribute to its bed bug problem, as the pests can easily spread through public transportation and shared living spaces.
To address these infestations, New York State and local authorities are taking various measures:
- Implementing stricter reporting requirements for landlords.
- Providing educational resources to help residents identify and prevent bed bug infestations.
- Encouraging early reporting and professional treatment to prevent the spread of bed bugs.
As bed bugs continue to be a persistent problem in these New York cities, residents and property owners must remain vigilant and proactive in preventing and addressing infestations. Early detection, proper treatment, and adherence to local regulations are key to managing this ongoing urban pest challenge.
Sources:
- https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-nears-top-of-the-list-for-worst-bed-bug-cities-but-once-city-was-worse-again/5078682/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYIU5NStGms
- https://www.lajaunies.com/blog/americas-most-bed-bug-infested-cities/
- https://www.fox5ny.com/news/new-york-passes-law-requiring-landlords-notify-tenants-bed-bug-infestations
- https://citybuildingowners.com/blog/nycs-bed-bug-landlord-compliance-responsibility/
