‘Bug Apple’ insect infestation latest plague to hit smoky NYC

New Yorkers already bugging out over Canadian wildfire smoke are now contending with a new annoyance.

Massive swarms of insects believed to be gnats or aphids have residents of the city that never sleeps calling it the “Bug Apple.”

The New York Times’ Christine Hauser reports that “some New Yorkers complained they could not open their mouths to breathe as they walked down the street, for fear of inhaling a big gulp of them."

A Cornell University professor in entomology told The Times that the insects are believed to be aphids that are looking to mate.

Dr. Corrie Moreau said the insect swarms are usually an indicator of coordinated reproduction.

Aphids don’t bite but normally suck juice from plants and Moreau suggested the swarm could be attributed to a mild winter and a rainy spring.

The report said there’s a chance the swarm is linked to the wildfire smoke that’s choking New York.

“I think that the smoke is amplifying our ability to see them well,” Dr. Moreau said. “Because I can’t see that far, I tend to focus on things that are closer.”

Social media users are sharing their experience.

“Floods, raining ash, and a swarm of insects… New York 3/10 on the biblical plague (expletive) right now,” Twitter user @yungdessalines wrote, adding “Just remembered I’m the first born son holy (expletive).”

“WHAT ARE THESE MINUSCULE WHITE FLIES ALL OVER BROOKLYN?” Twitter user @marialens_ wrote in a post that includes video showing the insects.

“Not the best video- they’re much more obvious in person. Literally can’t even open your mouth when walking. I’m not “nature-inclined” lol so forgive me if I should know what these are. Someone tell me more.🤬”