Identify and Understand

We're here to help you identify, understand and, where needed, safely manage the critters found in and around your home, garden, farm, school, places of work and worship. Use of the word “critter” is intentional; not all things that buzz, crawl or slither are pests! Some insects may be pollinators that play an important role in the ecosystem, and some animals can help reduce the numbers of ticks and other pests in your yard.

Winter Pests

Critters can come in on a potted plant, through a crack, an open door, a hole in a screen, a gap in siding or soffits, or a piece of firewood. The larger the hole, the larger your potential unwanted guest.

Winter arthropod pests

Other winter pests

Common Spring Pests

Common Summer Pests

Featured Pests

blacklegged tick crawling on skin

Ticks and tick-borne diseases have become a significant public health issue in New York State.

two adult spotted lanternflies

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive species. It does not bite or sting but is having an economic impact on NYS agriculture.

A football shaped dark red bug against skin

Bed bugs feed on our blood and cause itchy welts that can become infected from scratching

a hairy caterpillar with subtle but colorful spots

Formerly Gypsy Moth