Can't stop swatting mosquitoes? You're not alone.
If you’ve been spending time outside in Charleston lately, you’ve probably noticed the mosquitoes are relentless. Many residents are asking the same question: why do they seem so much worse at the end of summer? The answer has a lot to do with our climate, rainfall, and the way mosquito populations build over the season.
Charleston’s Climate Sets the Stage
Charleston is a beautiful place to live, but our environment is perfect for mosquitoes. Warm temperatures, humid air, and plenty of water sources allow them to thrive. By late summer, we’ve had months of afternoon thunderstorms, high tides, and heat. All of that adds up to ideal breeding conditions, especially in the Lowcountry’s marshes and creeks.
Why Late Summer is Peak Mosquito Season
Mosquitoes don’t appear overnight. Their numbers increase little by little throughout the summer until they hit their highest point in August and September. Here’s why:
After several months of breeding, mosquito populations reach their peak.
Multiple generations overlap, so you have more mosquitoes at once.
Saltmarsh mosquitoes, which hatch in huge numbers after tides or heavy rains, are especially aggressive this time of year.
People naturally spend more time outdoors in the evenings, which means more opportunities for bites.
What You Can Do Right Now
Even during the worst part of the season, there are ways to make your yard less inviting to mosquitoes:
Empty standing water from pots, buckets, and birdbaths at least once a week.
Clear gutters so rainwater doesn’t collect.
Keep grass and vegetation trimmed to limit mosquito resting spots.
Run fans on porches or patios to make it harder for mosquitoes to land.
How Torpedo Mosquito Helps Charleston Homeowners
At Torpedo Mosquito, we know late summer is the toughest time of year for our customers. That’s why our treatments focus on breaking the mosquito life cycle, targeting both the adult insects and their breeding sites. We tailor our service to Charleston’s unique environment so families can get back to enjoying the outdoors, even during peak season.
FAQs: Mosquitoes in Charleston
Do mosquitoes go away in the fall?
Yes, once temperatures drop consistently below about 50 degrees, mosquito activity slows down significantly. However, in Charleston, that may not happen until late fall.
Which mosquitoes are worst in Charleston?
Saltmarsh mosquitoes are some of the most aggressive in the Lowcountry. They hatch in large numbers after tides and storms, making them especially noticeable in late summer.
Can I really control mosquitoes in my yard?
While you can’t get rid of every single mosquito, reducing breeding sites and using targeted treatments makes a huge difference. Professional mosquito control ensures the problem is managed before it gets out of hand.