New York City has recently been inundated with swarms of insects, leading some to compare it to a plague or an apocalyptic event. The presence of these bugs has raised concerns among residents, many of whom believe it is a consequence of the smoke from Canadian wildfires. As the insects fill the city’s skyline and create a cloud at street-level, people are resorting to extreme measures like not opening their mouths while walking to avoid inhaling them. Pedestrians are seen swatting the bugs, while diners at outdoor cafes in Brooklyn are fanning the air around their tables.
Various media outlets have highlighted the severity of the situation. Gothamist reported that New Yorkers want these unwelcome tourists to leave, while WABC emphasized that a swarm of insects has seemingly taken over the city. However, scientists provide a more rational perspective. Dr. Corrie Moreau, an entomology professor at Cornell University, believes that the insects in question are aphids based on the images she has seen. She explains that aphids often swarm for reproductive purposes, and this could be attributed to the mild winter experienced this year.
Aphids are typically harmless insects that feed on plants. They are usually wingless but develop wings when they need to find new food sources. The mild winter and recent rainy spring may have contributed to an increase in flowers and plants, triggering the aphids’ reproductive behavior. Kim Adams, an entomologist at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, suggests that wind or the availability of food can also lead to the clustering and movement of insects. She dismisses the idea that the swarms are related to smoke from the wildfires.
Despite the absence of a definitive identification of the species, some New Yorkers are filled with apprehension. Gil Bloom, the president of Standard Pest Management, reassures the public that the swarm poses no threat unless they are plants. In Canada, where the wildfire smoke originates, Doug Currie, the senior curator of entomology at the Royal Ontario Museum, recalls a memorable aphid swarm in 2001 that caused a pause during a Toronto Blue Jays game at the SkyDome. However, such massive aphid hordes have not been reported in Canada recently.
Dr. Moreau suggests that the smoke may amplify the visibility of the insects, making them appear more prevalent than they actually are. She believes that the focus on the insects may distract from the real concern, which is the air quality due to the smoke. While accidentally ingesting aphids is unlikely to cause harm, Dr. Moreau advises wearing masks to protect against the effects of poor air quality. So, instead of worrying about the bug pollution, New Yorkers should prioritize their health and be cautious of the smoke in the air.
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