Where Do Mosquitoes Go in the Winter?
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When the heat of summer finally starts dying down, one trade-off for the loss of warm weather is less time swatting at mosquitoes. Since these bloodsucking pests are most prevalent in the summertime, you might think they all simply die off during the winter. However, this isn’t the case.
While it’s true that mosquitoes can’t function properly if the environment is colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, these insects have a number of ways of outlasting the winter months. They’re simply a bit less active in warmer areas, and in colder regions, they may survive by hibernating or investing their energy in laying eggs. Regardless of how mosquitoes survive in your region, a good pest control company can help keep these pests away from your home.
Mosquito Life Cycle
To understand how mosquitoes spend the year, you first need to know the mosquito’s life cycle. Although the details differ slightly by species, female mosquitoes lay eggs on damp surfaces, near a source of water, or directly in the water. When the eggs are wet, they can develop into mosquito larvae that live in the water. Most larval mosquitoes become pupae within about five days. Two to three days later, they emerge from the water as adult mosquitoes.
The whole process takes between five to 40 days, varying by species. After that, the adult mosquito may have a lifespan of anywhere from a week to several months.
Reproduction, Hibernation, or Shelter
Where do mosquitoes go in the winter? It depends on the type of mosquito. The various species of mosquitoes have several different ways of outlasting cold temperatures. First of all, mosquito eggs are hardier than adult mosquitoes and can survive without food or water for up to eight months. Thus, even if you succeed in killing an entire population of adult mosquitoes, a new generation may be protected by dry, cold weather.
Some mosquito species can even undergo a form of insect hibernation called diapause. As with hibernating mammals, the weather’s cooling triggers mosquitoes to begin to store up nutrients and eventually lower their metabolisms enough that they can lay low all winter in hollow logs, animal burrows, or other crevices.
Diapause is more common in mosquito pupae, which can survive beneath the surface of frozen water. However, species native to temperate climates have evolved to be reasonably tolerant of the cold. Some like the snow mosquito in Alaska can even survive freezing temperatures, as their bodies produce an antifreeze-like protein.
There’s one more shelter option—a human’s home has everything a mosquito needs to overwinter the colder months. During winter, taking shelter indoors gives mosquitoes warm temperatures, water, and a blood meal whenever they want it.
After Winter
Warmer weather and the presence of water can serve to awaken mosquitoes from diapause or trigger eggs to hatch and pupae to resume growth. The actual start of mosquito season will depend on where you live.
For example, “mosquito season” may begin as early as February in Florida or southern Texas. However, it usually takes a few weeks to a few months for a mosquito infestation to reach peak population levels.
Keep Mosquitoes From Laying Eggs in Your Yard
Mosquito bites aren’t just uncomfortable; mosquitoes themselves can pass on blood-borne diseases like malaria or the Zika virus. While these diseases are thankfully rare in the U.S., it’s still a good idea for homeowners to take steps to keep mosquitoes away. One of the most common prevention methods is getting rid of standing water sources in and around your home. Pooling water is where mosquitoes reproduce.
To eliminate breeding grounds, check gutters, flower pots, outdoor trash cans, and other places where water might pool. Unfortunately, water features like birdbaths are often prime breeding grounds, so you should consider keeping these far away from inhabited areas of your property.
Our Recommendations for Professional Mosquito Control
Of course, sometimes you need to call in the professionals for effective mosquito elimination. Here are a few of the top pest control companies that can do this for you using high-quality equipment and products.
FAQ About Where Mosquitoes Go in the Winter
Can mosquitoes live in your house in the winter?
Yes, mosquitoes can certainly survive cold winter temperatures by hiding out in your house.
At what temp do mosquitoes stop biting?
Mosquitoes cannot function below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so you likely won’t be bitten below that temperature. These bugs function best at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and start to become lethargic at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do mosquitoes die in the winter?
While cold temperatures can kill a mosquito, some mosquito species undergo a form of insect hibernation called diapause. Mosquitoes can store up nutrients and eventually lower their metabolisms enough that they can await warmer temps.
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