Staten Island, of all the boroughs of New York City, are known for having a lot of pests. So much so that we are the only borough that gets aerial mosquito spray across the entire city. We have a variety of pests, both common and uncommon, that affect homes and businesses. Although pests can affect any property anywhere in New York, there are some that are especially common here in the region.
Pests You Are Likely to Find in Staten Island
Rodents
Rats and mice are one of the most consistent issues for Staten Island property owners. These pests are highly adaptable, using sewers, basements, and utility lines to gain access to homes and commercial buildings.
Rodents not only damage wiring, insulation, and stored goods, but they also carry diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella. Because Staten Island has both urban areas and wooded suburban neighborhoods, rodents can nest in a wide range of environments, making professional rodent control necessary year-round.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a major concern across all of New York City, but Staten Island’s mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes makes infestations especially disruptive.
Roaches are capable of contaminating food and triggering allergies and asthma through the droppings and shed skins they leave behind. German cockroaches and American cockroaches are the most common species here, both of which are extremely resilient to DIY treatments and can reproduce rapidly.
Ants
Several ant species thrive on Staten Island. Pavement ants are often seen in kitchens, carpenter ants can tunnel through damp wood and weaken structural elements, and odorous house ants invade homes in large numbers, contaminating food supplies. Ants build extensive colonies, making them challenging to eliminate without a professional approach that targets both the workers and the nest.
House Centipedes
Large and generally terrifying to look at, these pests are actually so beneficial that if you don’t have a phobia, some people recommend keeping them alive on your property because they are one of the only pests to eat spiders, bed bugs, and silverfish.
House Centipedes have long, bodies with dozens of giant, daddy longlegs sized legs. They can run very quickly around a property and can be frightening to look at. They are generally harmless to humans but most people do not want them on their property.
Termites
Staten Island has areas where subterranean termites are active. These pests are destructive, feeding on wood and cellulose-based materials in homes and businesses. Termite activity can remain hidden for years, with property owners only noticing signs such as mud tubes or hollow-sounding wood when the damage is already extensive. Because of the long-term costs of termite infestations, inspections and preventative treatments are highly recommended in the borough.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs remain one of the most stressful infestations for Staten Island residents. They are not limited to beds — they spread through furniture, electrical outlets, and even on clothing and personal belongings. Multi-family housing is especially vulnerable since bed bugs move easily from one unit to another. These pests are resistant to many common insecticides, making professional intervention the only effective solution for complete elimination.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are such a problem on Staten Island that the city sprays aerial treatments to try to keep populations under control. Local wetlands, standing water, and shaded backyards create the perfect breeding conditions. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they are also capable of spreading West Nile virus and other illnesses. Reducing breeding sites around the property and using targeted treatments are key strategies for managing mosquito populations during the warmer months.
Wildlife
Wildlife is another significant issue in Staten Island. Raccoons, squirrels, and birds often enter attics, basements, and chimneys, causing damage and creating sanitation concerns. Raccoons in particular are known to tear through roofing materials and insulation, while squirrels chew wiring and birds leave behind droppings that carry disease. Wildlife control on Staten Island requires humane removal combined with exclusion methods to prevent re-entry.
Other Common Pests
In addition to the specific pests listed above, Staten Island properties also encounter:
- Spiders – While most are harmless, infestations can indicate other pest activity.
- Carpenter Bees – Known for drilling into wood structures such as decks and siding.
- Flies – House flies and drain flies are common in both homes and restaurants, where they spread bacteria.
- Ticks – Found in wooded and grassy areas, ticks are a growing concern in Staten Island due to Lyme disease.
- Clothes Moths and Pantry Pests – These insects damage stored goods and fabrics, often going unnoticed until the damage is visible.
These pests are common everywhere, and not specifically any more or less in Staten Island. Still, pests like spiders are frequently upsetting to those with a phobia.
Protecting Your Property
With so many pests active across Staten Island, prevention and professional pest control are essential. Fillmore Pest provides inspections, targeted treatments, and exclusion services for both residential and commercial properties. Our services are designed not only to eliminate existing infestations but also to prevent them from returning.
If you are struggling with pests in your home or business, call us today or fill out our online form to schedule service. Our team understands the unique pest challenges of Staten Island and has the tools and experience to keep your property protected.