Yes, humid conditions help mosquitoes live longer, stay active later into the day, and breed more efficiently. In the Sandhills region of North Carolina, summer humidity is one of the main reasons mosquitoes are such a big problem.
With humidity comes mosquitoes, and this is no doubt something that you’ve noticed. But you may still wonder why this is the case.
Mosquitoes are small. They lose moisture through their exoskeletons quickly. And even though they’re a summer problem, they are no lovers of heat. Dry air forces them to shelter in vegetation and limits their activity to the coolest, dampest parts of the day. But when the air is humid, they have a lot less trouble flying around and biting people.
In the Sandhills, it’s common for summer humidity to climb well beyond 70%, particularly in the morning and evening. This extends the window of peak mosquito activity well beyond the typical dawn-and-dusk pattern. A humid evening in Moore or Richmond County gives mosquitoes everything they need to remain aggressive hours before and after sunset because the air is holding enough moisture to keep them comfortable.
Humidity also affects the breeding cycle. Mosquito eggs laid in damp soil or along waterline edges stay viable longer in humid conditions. The Asian tiger mosquito, notoriously aggressive and regrettably common in the Sandhills, lays eggs in containers and small water sources that stay moist even between rains. High humidity keeps the eggs healthy until the next rainfall triggers hatching.
The humid months from May to September are when mosquito populations in the Sandhills peak. But in mild years, activity can start earlier and run later, especially for Asian tiger mosquitoes, which are active whenever temperatures are above 60.
If you're tired of dealing with mosquitoes on your Sandhills property, Mosquito Squad of the Sandhills can help. Mosquito Squad treats the resting and breeding areas on your property, reducing the mosquito population by up to 90% for 21 days at a time.
