Living in a New York City apartment offers unparalleled access to culture, food, and entertainment—but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most frustrating and persistent problems many residents face is dealing with pests. Due to the city’s dense population, aging buildings, and complex infrastructure, pest infestations are a common nuisance for apartment dwellers.
In 2025, several pests remain the top offenders in New York apartments, causing damage, health concerns, and stress. If you’re a New Yorker struggling with unwanted critters, knowing what you’re up against and how to handle it can make all the difference.
Here are the top 5 pests plaguing New York apartments right now—and expert tips on how to get rid of them.
1. Cockroaches: The Ubiquitous NYC Pest
Cockroaches are arguably the most notorious pests in New York apartments. These resilient insects thrive in warm, humid environments and feast on crumbs, grease, and even glue.
Signs of infestation:
- Dark droppings resembling coffee grounds
- Musty, oily odor
- Shed skin or egg cases
- Seeing roaches scurrying at night
Cockroaches aren’t just gross—they can spread bacteria and trigger asthma attacks, especially in children.
How to get rid of them:
- Keep your kitchen clean and free of food debris
- Store food in airtight containers
- Seal cracks and crevices around pipes and baseboards
- Use bait stations and gel treatments
- Call a professional exterminator for targeted treatment, as cockroaches are notoriously difficult to eliminate completely with DIY methods
2. Rats and Mice: The Unwanted Roommates
Rodents are a major concern in New York City, where the population density and food availability provide an ideal environment. Rats and mice can contaminate food, damage property, and carry diseases.
Signs of infestation:
- Droppings near food sources or along walls
- Gnaw marks on furniture, wiring, or packaging
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings
- Nests made of shredded paper or fabric
Rodents can enter apartments through tiny openings, so vigilance is key.
How to get rid of them:
- Store food in rodent-proof containers
- Dispose of garbage regularly and keep trash cans sealed
- Seal gaps and holes around windows, doors, and pipes
- Set snap traps or electronic traps
- Enlist professional pest control for severe infestations or to safely handle rodenticides
3. Bed Bugs: The Hidden Nighttime Biters
Bed bugs have made a strong comeback in urban environments, including New York apartments. These tiny, blood-sucking insects hide in mattress seams, furniture, and cracks during the day and feed on humans at night.
Signs of infestation:
- Small, itchy red bites, often in a line or cluster
- Rust-colored stains on bedding or furniture
- Shed exoskeletons or tiny white eggs
- Musty, sweet smell in severe infestations
Bed bugs are notoriously hard to spot and eliminate, making early detection critical.
How to get rid of them:
- Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it inside
- Use mattress and box spring encasements
- Wash bedding and clothing in hot water regularly
- Vacuum frequently and dispose of vacuum bags properly
- Hire a professional exterminator for heat treatments or chemical applications—DIY methods rarely eradicate bed bugs fully
4. Ants: The Persistent Invaders
Ants can infiltrate apartments in search of food and water, forming trails from outside entry points to kitchen cabinets and pantries.
Signs of infestation:
- Seeing small ants marching in lines
- Tiny piles of dirt or debris near entry points
- Damaged food packaging
While most ants in NYC aren’t dangerous, they’re a nuisance and can contaminate food.
How to get rid of them:
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately
- Store food tightly sealed
- Wipe down surfaces with vinegar or soapy water to disrupt trails
- Use ant baits placed near entry points
- For larger infestations, professional pest control can identify the species and use targeted treatments
5. Flies and Fruit Flies: The Annoying Swarmers
Flies, especially fruit flies, can quickly become a problem in kitchens and garbage areas. They breed in fermenting organic matter like food scraps and unclean drains.
Signs of infestation:
- Small flies hovering near fruit bowls or trash cans
- Rapid increase in fly numbers, especially in warm months
Besides being irritating, flies can spread bacteria and contaminate food.
How to get rid of them:
- Keep kitchen counters and sinks clean and dry
- Dispose of overripe fruit and food scraps promptly
- Use fly traps or homemade vinegar traps
- Clean drains regularly to remove breeding grounds
- Professional exterminators can address underlying sanitation issues or severe infestations
When to Call a Professional Exterminator in New York
Living in a city like New York means pests can be persistent and hard to control on your own. Professional exterminators have the tools, expertise, and knowledge of local pest behavior to:
- Identify pest species accurately
- Use targeted treatments that minimize risks to your family and pets
- Develop long-term pest management plans
- Navigate NYC’s building codes and regulations
If you notice any signs of infestation, especially for cockroaches, bed bugs, or rodents, contacting a licensed exterminator early can save you time, money, and stress.
Final Thoughts
Pests are an unfortunate reality of apartment living in New York, but they don’t have to take over your home. Understanding the common pests in NYC and how to prevent and control them is the first step toward a pest-free apartment.
By maintaining cleanliness, sealing entry points, and acting quickly when you spot signs of infestation, you can protect your home and health. And when the situation calls for it, a trusted professional exterminator in New York City can provide the effective help you need.
If you’re dealing with any of these pests or want to schedule an inspection, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local NYC exterminator to reclaim your space—pest-free and worry-free. We recommend exterminator new york (50%).
