Insects at Cape Hatteras
Insects have always been a part of life at Cape Hatteras. Visitors should be prepared for insects by bringing appropriate clothing and/or insect repellant.

• Biting Flies: also called "yellow flies" or "deerflies", are most active in late spring, and appear again in August.
• Chiggers: are small red mites.  Chigger "cures" are ineffective because the bug is gone before the itching begins. Chiggers live in grassy areas. 
• Mosquitos: certain mosquitos can be vectors of disease. Wearing repellant with DEET will reduce the chances of being bite.
• Sand Gnats: the tiny sand gnat (also called the "sand fly" or "no see-um") appears in large numbers during mild temperatures.
• Ticks: There are many species of ticks on the Outer Banks. Wearing insect repellant, tucking pants into socks, and inspecting for ticks after a visit is recommended when venturing in to grassy areas and the maritime forests.

Hurricane Information
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30.  Although tropical storms can occur off the North Carolina coast at anytime during hurricane season, the strongest tropical storms typically impact the North Carolina coast mid-August through September.  Your two best sources of hurricane preparedness and evacuation information are NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness website and the Dare County Emergency Management website. 

Ocean Swimming Safety
One of the most important things to know before coming to the beach is ocean swimming safety.

The Danger of Heat and Humidity
A combination of high temperature and high humidity during summer months creates an even higher and possibly dangerous apparent temperature.  Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are possible during elevated apparent temperatures.  Enjoy the beach, but limit your physical activity and exposure during days of high heat and humidity.

Avoiding the "OUCH"!
Our seashore is beautiful, but often on the beach, and in the sound and ocean waters, you'll find dangerous debris.  You may come across sharp objects such as broken seashells, crabs, cactus, and sand spurs.  People add to that with glass, metal, fishooks and nails.  Hot sand can burn unprotected feet.  Think "safety" before leaving your vehicle and protect your feet from these hazards.