Axios Richmond

May 14, 2026
Woohoo, it's Thursday!
π§οΈ Today's weather: Potential rain showers then mostly sunny, with a high of 69 and low of 48.
π§ Sounds like: "Love Bites" by Def Leppard.
π Programming note: Since it's set to be extremely toasty this weekend, today's newsletter is dedicated to our favorite part about warm weather: the bugs.
Today's newsletter is 930 words β a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: π₯Ά Cold snap delays mosquito season
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 β 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 β 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.
2. π«£ Not to scare you butβ¦
Virginia is entering peak tick season as health officials warn of a sharp rise in tick bite-related ER and urgent care visits statewide.
Why it matters: Last year, Virginia saw some of its highest numbers of tick-borne illnesses in at least half a decade.
The big picture: Virginia Department of Health data shows reports of major tick-borne illnesses βΒ like Lyme disease βΒ all trending above their five-year averages last year.
- In some cases, VDH recorded more than twice as many illnesses in 2025 as it did in 2024, per an Axios review.
The good news: Richmond-area case counts have remained comparatively low.
Yes, but: The state's highest concentrations of tick-borne illnesses last year were in Northern, Northwest and Southwest Virginia βΒ where a lot of the state's mountains and farmland are.
How it works: Ticks spread disease by feeding on infected animals and then biting humans.
- And Lyme disease risk peaks in early summer, when tiny blacklegged tick nymphs are most active, per VDH.
- But the tick to watch is the lone star tick, which is linked to a red meat allergy that can develop after a bite.
Prevention tips from VDH:
- Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking.
- Shower and do tick checks after being outdoors.
What we're watching: Virginia's 2026 case counts are still preliminary, but updated statewide numbers are expected tomorrow.
Keep reading for the West Nile virus numbers
3. π The Current: Spanberger to veto union bill
π Gov. Spanberger plans to veto a bill allowing Virginia public employees to collectively bargain after lawmakers rejected her proposed changes to the legislation. (Times-Dispatch)
π³οΈ Richmond's School Board is considering asking the city to stop using schools as polling places over concerns that election-related closures disrupt student learning and impact families. (The Richmonder)
- But first, RPS will put out a survey this upcoming school year to hear what families want.
π A nonprofit in Central Virginia focused on training Black and other farmers of color received 61 acres in Varina from a local conservation group to create more access to affordable farmland, housing and healthy food. (Virginia Mercury)
π¦ Chesterfield residents are pushing for a stoplight at the intersection of Genito and Watercove roads after multiple crashes and near misses. (WTVR)
π D.C.-based Timber Pizza, which pops up in a food trailer at local festivals, is opening a brick-and-mortar in Northside that will have a full bar. (BizSense)
- When: By the end of the year.
4. π¦ At least we have bat boxes
If you want to prep for the incoming mosquitoes, consider adding a bat box to your yard.
Why it matters: Bats are natural mosquito hunters and can help reduce backyard pests without chemicals or bug zappers.
The big picture: They're also under threat globally due to habitat loss, and these boxes can give them a safe place to roost.
Fun fact: Virginia is home to 17 bat species β including four that are endangered.
- At least eight are found in the Richmond area, according to the state Department of Wildlife Resources, which has a guide on building a bat house.
- They're also regularly spotted at Richmond National Battlefield Park.
Friction point: If you build it, they might come.
- "Bat houses are complicated to get right," warn experts at Bat Conservation International. "They can go unused for years, attract pests, and even harm bats when installed incorrectly."
ποΈ Karri is on vacation.
π¦ Sabrina is so happy that birds always decide to nest near her house because it means she wakes up to them singing every day like a Disney movie.
Thanks to Alexa Mencia Orozco for editing today's edition
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