Will There Be More Mosquitoes in Charlotte This Year?
The short answer is yes - Charlotte and the surrounding areas are expected to see a surge in mosquito populations in 2024 compared to previous years. According to WCNC and Climate Central, the Southeast Region, including North Carolina, has ideal conditions for mosquitoes around 60% of the year due to humidity and temperatures between 50-95°F.
Why Are Mosquitoes Increasing in North Carolina?
Experts are warning that 2024 is shaping up to be a year of high mosquito activity not just in the Charlotte region but across North Carolina and other parts of North America. The main factor driving the rise in mosquito numbers is our changing climate. Warming temperatures caused by climate change are leading to longer mosquito breeding seasons and allowing the pests to thrive in regions they previously couldn't.
North Carolina's hot, humid summers create perfect living conditions for mosquitoes to multiply rapidly. However, milder winters are also allowing more mosquitoes to survive cold months when their populations previously would have been depleted.
Where Are All The Mosquitoes Coming From?
While some mosquito species are migrants arriving in North Carolina from other regions, many are locals taking advantage of the state's increasingly mosquito-friendly climate. Areas of stagnant water make ideal breeding grounds for mosquito larvae to hatch. As temperatures warm, mosquito seasons start earlier and last longer in these regions.
The following areas of stagnant water are ideal mosquito breeding grounds:
- Swamps
- Marshes
- Flood plains
- Densely wooded areas
The excess moisture levels brought by increased rainfall and hurricane activity in recent years has expanded mosquito breeding habitats in North Carolina as well.
What Month Do Mosquitoes Go Away?
In Charlotte, mosquito activity typically begins to wane in late October and early November as cooler temperatures settle in. However, recent years have seen fluctuations in this pattern. While traditionally, the first frost marks a significant drop in mosquito populations, the timing of this frost has become less predictable, impacting the usual mosquito season.
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away
With mosquito populations growing and their season extending, it's important to take proactive measures to keep them away. Here are some effective strategies:
- Eliminate standing water by regularly emptying and cleaning items like birdbaths, flowerpots, and gutters to prevent water accumulation.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubs trimmed. Remove leaf litter and debris where mosquitoes can hide.
- Grow plants like citronella, lavender, and marigolds, which are known to repel mosquitoes.
- Mosquitoes are weak fliers. Using fans on patios or decks can help keep them away.
Professional Mosquito Services in Charlotte
If DIY mosquito control methods seem overwhelming or insufficient, TruMosquito offers a reliable solution for professional mosquito control services in Charlotte. With expert knowledge and advanced treatments, TruMosquito can effectively reduce mosquito populations around your home. Our services include thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and ongoing maintenance to ensure lasting results. Get started with a free quote today!