North Carolina will see more mosquitoes this week, experts say. Here’s why 

Raleigh and surrounding areas received heavy rainfall last week, which can only mean one thing: mosquitoes.

The Triangle received an average of one inch to an inch and a quarter of rain, according to Mike Strickler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The aftermath of these severe storms serves as the perfect playground for mosquitoes.

Here’s what to know about why rainfall attracts mosquitoes and how to deal with the pests.

More mosquitoes after rain

According to the N.C. State Extension, there are 60 types of mosquitoes in North Carolina, and they can be more prevalent after storms.

Storms produce heavy amounts of water, and this is what attracts mosquitoes.

“When mosquitoes are young they live in water. With all the rain floodwater and water-filled containers are numerous, and can be used as habitats for them where their populations boom,” said Kelly Oten, a specialist with the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State.

This explains the increase in mosquitoes after heavy rain and storms.

Are mosquitoes dangerous?

The News & Observer spoke to Chris Hayes, a postdoctoral scholar at N.C. State who specializes in the pest management industry.

“Bites are generally harmless but can become dangerous when carrying diseases,” said Hayes.

Mosquitoes are vectors, and they can spread diseases like the Zika virus and malaria. However, Hayes assures that those illnesses are not prevalent in North Carolina.

Scratching a mosquito bite and breaking the skin can lead to a secondary infection, according to Laura Rosenwald, a National Pest Management Association entomologist.

How to keep mosquitoes away from your yard?

Here are the best ways to combat these pesky bugs and protect your home, according to the Centers for Disease Control:

• Get rid of standing water near your home.

• Tightly cover water storage containers.

• Cover open vent or plumbing pipes.

• Close all doors (even the garage.)

• Install window and door screens.

• Use air conditioning when possible.

Best bug spray for mosquitoes

Now let’s get into protecting yourself.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, you can use insect repellent that includes picaridin, The N&O previously reported. That’s a synthetic repellent used to target insects, Hayes said.

Essential oil-based creams that include lemongrass can also help deter mosquitoes, said Hayes.

How to treat mosquito bites

If you do happen to encounter mosquitoes and get bitten, here are ways to treat a mosquito bite, according to the CDC

According to the CDC, here are the recommended ways to treat your mosquito bite:

• Wash the bite and the surrounding area with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes for itching and swelling. Reapply if needed.
• Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which can help reduce the itching.
• Use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream.

This story was originally published June 2, 2025 at 2:32 PM.