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.

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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 — like Lyme disease — 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 — 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

👀 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)

🗳️ 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.

🚜 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)

🚦 Chesterfield residents are pushing for a stoplight at the intersection of Genito and Watercove roads after multiple crashes and near misses. (WTVR)

🍕 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.

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 — 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."

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