Mosquitoes
Information about mosquito activity and control
Latest stories
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Six human cases prompt West Nile virus outbreak warnings in South Carolina
Four West Nile virus cases in the Midlands and two in the Lowcountry have prompted health officials to confirm outbreaks and urge mosquito precautions.
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First West Nile virus case of 2026 in Gaston County
North Carolina's first case of West Nile virus has been detected in Gaston County by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
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Mosquitoes are evolving to survive common backyard sprays
Resistance to common mosquito sprays is spreading rapidly across Wake County. Here’s how pest-control companies are responding and what homeowners can do.
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Mosquitoes are evolving to survive common backyard sprays
Resistance to common mosquito sprays is spreading rapidly across Wake County. Here’s how pest-control companies are responding and what homeowners can do.
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Recent rain brings return of mosquitoes
With recent rains following a drought, mosquito populations are projected to rise, prompting experts to issue warnings. UNC professor Ross Boyce explains that moisture and standing water are essential for mosquito breeding, and typically, a two-week delay occurs before new mosquitoes emerge. He advises using permethrin-treated clothing and keeping fans around to mitigate bites.
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The drought brings fewer mosquitoes, but not fewer risks
In a typical summer, mosquitoes are a constant nuisance. But this year's dry conditions could offer some relief. However, there might be a different kind of concern.
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Triangle research lab helping stop mosquito-borne outbreaks in NC
WRAL's Eric Miller got an inside look at the program trying to spot and swat outbreaks as they happen.
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Man vs. mosquito: How NC is trying to isolate outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases
Working from a lab on the campus of North Carolina State University, Michael Doyle isn't just helping catch mosquitoes, he is also helping the state track three key diseases, including West Nile Virus.
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Mosquito surge fuels heartworm cases
Veterinary warning. Keeping your pet safe during a Hurricane requires more than just shelter. Experts share how storms can have a connection to the dangers of heartworms.
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Rising heartworm threat for pets post-storms: What veterinarians want you to know
Hurricanes don’t just threaten homes. Vets say they leave pets facing hidden risks many owners overlook.
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Park finds success with pesticide-free mosquito traps
A North Raleigh park once plagued with mosquitoes lurking along a shaded tree line saw a bite-free summer after testing new technology.
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North Raleigh park sees bite-free summer with innovative, pesticide-free mosquito traps
A North Raleigh park reports a dramatic drop in mosquito bites this summer due to eco-friendly traps.
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5 On Your Side: Best bug repellents from Consumer Reports
It's bug season, and nobody wants to be a snack for mosquitos. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur shares the top-rated insect repellents from Consumer Reports.
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Mosquito bite risk rises with rainfall, muggy weather
WRAL Health Reporter Grace Hayba shows us how to protect yourself and keep those bites from becoming more serious.
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Wet, muggy weather increases mosquito-borne illnesses threat
Mosquitoes in North Carolina are out in full force and health officials warn they aren’t going away, unless you take action.
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'I'm a little outraged': Beekeepers react to aerial mosquito spraying in Brunswick County
Some people have experienced firsthand just how bad mosquitos can be after storms. Now, one county is taking matters into its own hands to deal with the insects.
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West Nile virus is in North Carolina: Here's what you need to know
In North Carolina, Buncombe, Rutherford and Cleveland counties have reported one case each of a human infection. It is unclear if any of those cases required hospitalizations.
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How to prevent and treat mosquito bites
Mosquitos live for only a few weeks, but in that time, they can do a lot of damage. The mosquito is considered the world's deadliest animal, killing more people per year than any other creature, largely due to their ability to spread malaria.
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New virus: Bug bites can bring fever, chills, aches
The insect-borne oropouche virus is spreading in South America and the Caribbean and among people who have traveled to those areas.
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Mosquito season expanding in NC
Researchers say climate change is making Raleigh more hospitable to mosquitoes, increasing the risk of the insects spreading diseases.
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Mosquito season expanding in Raleigh, posing health risks from disease transmission
Researchers say climate change is making Raleigh more hospitable to mosquitoes, increasing the risk of the insects spreading diseases.
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Tips for treating summer bug bites
Love the fresh foods of summer? So do bugs of all kinds -- and for them, you are on the menu.
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Growing concerns over mosquito-borne disease
Ongoing climate change is fueling warmer and wetter conditions across large portions of the world, creating better breeding grounds for mosquitoes. More bugs could increase the chances of mosquito-borne diseases.
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Fight the bite: Avoiding tick and mosquito-borne disease this spring in NC
With warmer weather on the way, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services urges North Carolinians to "Fight the Bite" by taking measures to reduce their risk of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases. In 2022, almost 700 cases of tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses were reported in the state.
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Why mosquitos are more attracted to some people
NBC's Stephanie Gosk has details about a new study that could help explain why some people really seem to be more likely to attract mosquitos.
