New York's Bugs Hollister and many other stores closed

New York City, the largest and most iconic city in the United States, is known for its towering skyline, bustling streets, and world-famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Broadway. But today, visitors and residents alike are facing an unexpected challenge: a growing infestation of bedbugs that has spread across the city.

The first signs of the problem appeared back in July when bedbugs were spotted in the flagship Hollister store on Broadway. Since then, the issue has escalated, affecting not just retail spaces but also high-profile locations such as the Empire State Building, Time Warner’s headquarters, Times Square, a popular theater, the offices of ELLE magazine, and even emergency and prosecutor's offices in Brooklyn. The infestation has turned into a major nuisance for businesses and employees alike.

The situation took a turn for the worse when the Nike flagship store in Manhattan was hit. On the 18th, the store announced it would be closing indefinitely, adding to the growing list of affected businesses. A sign at the entrance read, “Closed until further notice,” signaling the severity of the problem.

Bedbugs, also known as bed lice or red bugs, are small, reddish-brown insects that can grow up to the size of an apple seed. They are notorious for hiding in furniture, clothing, and bags, where they feed on human blood. These pests are not only a discomfort but also a health risk, as they can transmit various diseases. Though once thought to have been eradicated in the U.S. over 60 years ago, bedbugs have made a troubling comeback, partly due to the expansion of air travel and global trade.

As New Yorkers continue to deal with this unexpected invasion, the city’s reputation as a modern, clean, and vibrant metropolis is being tested in an unusual way. Whether through improved pest control measures or public awareness, the battle against these tiny but persistent invaders is far from over.