North Carolina is no stranger to mosquitoes. In fact, Charlotte is often being cited as having one of the United State’s most serious mosquito problems.
While mosquitoes are drawn to areas with people and pets gathering outdoors, they’re always most plentiful near stagnant water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and they only take a few weeks to hatch. These pests flourish in humidity and warmth, something found in abundance in the climate of North Carolina.
Overview of mosquitoes in North Carolina
There are several species of mosquitoes found in North Carolina. The humid, warm weather and proximity to water make it an extra-attractive breeding ground for dozens of mosquito species. Most of the southern U.S. has a climate that is appealing to mosquitoes, with a long warm season that facilitates breeding.
When do mosquitoes come out in North Carolina?
Mosquito season in North Carolina starts when the temperature gets high enough in March or early April. As mosquito season starts, mosquitoes will begin to appear in your home or yard. Rising temperatures through the spring and summer lead to rapid mosquito breeding. It worsens through the late summer until the weather cools again in October. Mosquitoes generally subside in North Carolina when the temperatures stay low enough for a prolonged period, and they tend to stay away throughout the winter.
Birds that eat mosquitoes in North Carolina
While not all birds in North Carolina eat mosquitoes, installing a birdhouse on your property is a helpful way to manage mosquito numbers. Migratory songbirds, purple martins, swallows, and waterfowl such as ducks or geese are all known to eat mosquitoes. Swallows are particularly common throughout North Carolina, and purple martins live in the eastern part of the state.
What bugs in North Carolina catch mosquitoes?
A handful of beneficial bugs throughout North Carolina catch and kill mosquitoes. Most of these species aren’t harmful to humans and are good patrollers to keep around your backyard or garden. The two most common bugs that catch mosquitoes are dragonflies and mosquito hawks. Mosquito hawks are also known as crane flies and love the climate of the southern U.S.
Types of mosquitoes in North Carolina
Each species of mosquito found in North Carolina has a unique biology and set of habits, as well as a propensity for causing numerous problems for homeowners. Below are some of the most common species:
Asian Tiger Mosquito
These pests are found throughout the state. They’re active night and day and like to breed in containers, such as outdoor pottery, flowerpots, and bird baths. They are about ¼ inch long and have a black and white stripe pattern running down the center of their head and back.
Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquito
Partial to the coastal side of North Carolina, eastern saltmarsh mosquitoes breed in salt marshes and can transmit eastern equine encephalitis. Males feature feather-like antennae, and males and females feature bands of white scales on their abdomen.
Northern House Mosquito
Found in every corner of North Carolina, northern house mosquitoes typically come out at night. They are known to carry West Nile virus, and breed in storm sewers and drains, pools of stagnant water, and ditches. Brown and white stripes on the top of their lowest body segment make it easy to identify this species.
Mosquito control services
If mosquitoes have invaded your favorite outdoor spaces, it’s time to call a professional pest control service like Hawx Pest Control. With proven methods, qualified technicians, and the best products and services available, Hawx is the undisputed leader in pest control solutions. Our friendly professionals are ready to help you all year round. Call us today for a free estimate to get your mosquito problem under control as soon as possible.
