Ticks, mosquitos and chiggers are out in NC. Here’s how to protect yourself

Warm, humid weather makes North Carolina a haven for ticks, mosquitos and chiggers — and experts say the risks may grow as the climate shifts. Here’s what state researchers recommend for prevention, repellents and what to do after a bite.

STORIES:

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Ticks are on the rise in North Carolina. Here’s what to do if you get bitten

Here are key takeaways:

• Researchers from N.C. State University and UNC-Greensboro found Orientia, the bacteria that causes scrub typhus, in North Carolina chigger populations in 2022, though no human cases have been identified in the state.
• To avoid chigger bites, researcher Loganathan Ponnusamy recommends using repellent when camping or in wooded areas, and points to repellent-treated socks, shoes and clothing from companies like Insect Shield; a cooperative extension agent also advises tucking pants into socks and avoiding sitting on logs.
• The lone star tick is the most common tick in North Carolina and is associated with Alpha-gal syndrome, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, according to NC State extension associate Christopher Hayes.
• For tick prevention, Hayes recommends long pants tucked into socks, duct tape wrapped sticky-side out around the ankle, and chemical repellents over essential-oil products — pointing readers to the EPA’s repellent search engine to find effective options.
• If you find a tick, use tweezers to grasp it close to the head and pull gently — never burn it, smother it in Vaseline or use nail polish, because stressed ticks regurgitate into the bloodstream and raise infection risk; saving the tick in a labeled bag in the freezer can help doctors later.
• North Carolina recorded its first West Nile Virus case since 2022 last summer in Durham, but Western Carolina University professor Brian Byrd says the overall risk remains very low and the mosquito illness season runs May through October, peaking July through September.
• To avoid mosquito bites, Byrd recommends dressing defensively and inspecting your yard for habitat that breeds mosquitos; residents with persistent problems can contact Mecklenburg Environmental Health Services at 980-314-1620 or Wake County Public Health at 919-250-4462 for guidance, including possible spraying.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.

Eva Flowe

The Charlotte Observer

Eva Flowe is a North Carolina native and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She joined the Charlotte Observer as part of the NC service journalism team in April 2026.