Wake County is home to Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and surrounding communities experiences a humid subtropical climate. Warm springs, hot and humid summers, and mild autumns create ideal conditions for mosquito populations to thrive for much of the year.
Mosquito season typically starts in late March to early April, when temperatures consistently rise above 50°F. From there, spring rains and summer thunderstorms create standing water in yards, retention ponds, creeks, shaded woods, and even backyard containers, all of which are perfect environments for mosquito breeding.
Spring (March–May)
Rising temperatures and frequent rain jumpstart mosquito breeding.
Eggs laid during winter begin hatching in puddles, clogged gutters, and woodland pools.
Shaded suburban areas and creeks near Jordan Lake and Neuse River see early population growth.
Summer (June–August)
Peak mosquito season in Wake County.
High humidity and heat — often in the 80s and 90s — shorten mosquito development to just 5–7 days.
Afternoon thunderstorms followed by warm evenings cause rapid increases in mosquito numbers.
Culex mosquitoes become more active, increasing the risk of West Nile virus detection.
Early Fall (September–October)
Activity stays high until nighttime temperatures fall below 50°F.
Warm autumns and tropical storm rainfall can trigger late-season mosquito surges.
Mosquito activity slows only after the first frost.
Winter (November–February)
Cold weather reduces mosquito presence but does not eliminate it entirely.
Eggs from Aedes species survive in dry containers, while Culex species overwinter in sheltered spaces.
A warm spell in January or February may temporarily reactivate adults.
