Richmond mosquito season delayed by weird spring weather
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Richmond's mosquitoes appeared ready for a breakout year after the region's snowy winter and early spring heat. Then temperatures crashed again.
Why it matters: The same weather whiplash Richmonders have dealt with for weeks may also be delaying mosquito season — at least temporarily, Connor King, owner of Mosquito Shield of Richmond, told Axios.
State of play: An icy winter can actually create the ideal wet conditions needed for mosquitoes to breed once temperatures rise.
- And a brief stretch of near-90-degree weather recently triggered a burst of mosquito activity across the region, prompting customers to immediately start calling, King said.
- Then cooler mornings and nights in the 40s slowed everything back down, essentially resetting the clock on mosquito activity.
- Plus: Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, and Virginia has been in a severe to extreme drought for more than a month.
What they're saying: "Things have definitely been a little slower than in prior years," King told Axios, noting that once April starts, it's usually "go, go, go."
Yes, but: That can change in a moment, King warned.
- "A couple of rainy days and 65 degrees at night and bugs are going to be out," he said. "There's nothing to stop them."
Stunning stat: Female mosquitoes, which lay eggs shortly after biting someone, can lay 200 eggs at once.
- And only "two teaspoons" of water are needed for mosquito eggs to hatch, according to King.
- That means clogged gutters, bird baths, trash can lids and kids' toys can all collect enough water to attract mosquitoes — especially around homes near creeks or wooded areas.
The bottom line: Richmond's weird spring may be buying residents time before the real mosquito season arrives with a vengeance.