CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Get ready to start getting "eaten alive." April is Mosquito Awareness Month and researchers say the changing climate is responsible for seeing more of those blood-sucking insects in North Carolina.
Warming temperatures could be spreading bugs and diseases, according to new research.
North Carolina is becoming a hotspot for mosquitoes and it's all because of the weather. Mosquitoes thrive in humidity and temperatures between 50-95 degrees.
Data from Climate Central found that warming temperatures are leading to longer mosquito seasons. Here in the Southeast, the climate is perfect for mosquitoes around 60% of the year.
But it doesn't just mean more bug bites. It could lead to the spread of everything from West Nile virus to Zika, which is a virus that can cause severe birth defects if pregnant women are infected.
North Carolina officials are now stepping up awareness to help people be prepared for mosquito season. The state is launching a campaign this month to make sure people protect themselves with repellent and protective clothing.
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