There have been reports of tiny insects swarming parts of New York City in recent days. The insects are believed to be aphids, which are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. Aphids are not known to be aggressive or harmful to humans, but they can be a nuisance.
The recent swarms of aphids in New York City are likely due to the combination of warm weather and the smoke from the wildfires in Canada. Aphids are attracted to smoke, and the smoke from the wildfires may have created a favorable environment for them to reproduce.
If you see aphids in your home or garden, you can try to get rid of them by spraying them with water or insecticidal soap. You can also try to remove them by hand. If the infestation is severe, you may need to call a pest control professional.
Here are some tips to prevent aphids from infesting your home or garden:
- Plant resistant plants. Some plants are more resistant to aphids than others. Choose plants that are known to be resistant to aphids, such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and petunias.
- Water your plants regularly. Aphids are more likely to infest dry plants. Water your plants regularly to keep them healthy and hydrated.
- Inspect your plants regularly. Check your plants regularly for signs of aphid infestation. If you see aphids, take action immediately to get rid of them.
- Attract beneficial insects. There are a number of beneficial insects that prey on aphids. These insects include ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. You can attract these insects to your garden by planting flowers that they like, such as dill, fennel, and yarrow.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent aphids from infesting your home or garden.