Insect Swarms Plague New York City, Alarming Residents
New Yorkers, already concerned about smoky skies caused by Canadian wildfires, are now dealing with swarms of insects, believed to be aphids. The mild winter and rainy spring have created favorable conditions for aphids to reproduce, leading to an unusual abundance of these non-stinging insects. While some residents have compared the situation to a biblical plague, experts suggest that the smoke may be amplifying the visibility of the swarms. However, the aphids are not harmful if accidentally ingested, and the primary concern should be the air quality due to the smoke.