Category Archives: Mosquito Control

 
Picture this: It’s a beautiful evening, and you have family and friends over. Suddenly, you hear that distinctive low buzz. A few minutes later, a spot on your arm starts itching. Unfortunately, your evening’s been disrupted by a familiar occurrence: You’ve been bitten by a mosquito.

As we all know, mosquitoes are one of the most annoying pests. They can quickly ruin almost any outdoor activity.. Not only do they disturb outdoor events and decrease comfort at home, but they also carry diseases like West Nile, Zika, and Triple E, all of which have the potential to impact your health. But nobody said you just have to sit there and take it. This article will explain how to keep mosquitoes away while sitting outside. It’s time to take back your outdoor fun, so let’s get right to it!

10 Secrets to Keep Mosquitoes Away From Outdoor Spaces

How to keep mosquitoes away from your patio, yard, and other outdoor spaces is all about knowing what mosquitoes like, and don’t like. Here are our 10 best methods for keeping mosquitoes away from your good time.

1. Wear Tightly Woven, Light-Colored Clothes

When the weather is warm, you want to wear clothes that won’t have you melting in the sun. Loose-fitting clothes are usually the preferred option. But when mosquitoes are lurking around your yard, that’s not really the best option. When mosquitoes are on the hunt it’s better to wear tight, light-colored clothing.

Why? Well, a mosquito will have difficulty penetrating clothing with thick layers. Furthermore, they are attracted to dark colors like black, blue, or navy. Do your best to wear lighter colors so they don’t come looking for you.

2. Eliminate Stagnant Water

While rain may help to cool things off on a hot day, it also increases standing water, which is a big no-no when it comes to mosquito prevention. Mosquitoes love standing water as much as some kids love chocolate. They lay eggs and make nests around the area, increasing their population.

Inspect your yard to see if there are any puddles or standing water. You can use a broom, bucket, or pail to disperse the water.

3. Use Specialized Mosquito Traps

Sometimes, no matter what you do, it seems impossible to rid your property of mosquitoes. But don’t blame yourself; they’re tricky pests! You may need to employ sophisticated methods to rid your property of mosquitoes. One approach is to use specialized mosquito traps.

These devices lure female mosquitoes (the only ones that bite) before they get ready to lay their eggs. Once the mosquito enters the trap, its body is covered in a poison that it then unknowingly carries around. This affects other mosquitoes and eggs, disrupting their life cycle and reducing their population in your yard.

4. Install an Automatic Mosquito Misting System

Invest in an automatic mosquito misting system if you’re looking for a more powerful solution to your mosquito problem. It’s an ideal mosquito control solution for outside areas.

As the name indicates, the system is automatic, so you don’t have to do anything. Once it’s set up. These devices can be set up to release a mosquito repellent at specific intervals, according to your liking, killing any pests that might be around.

5. Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Most insects love plants because they can feed and relax on the leaves. However, certain plants can have adverse effects on mosquitoes and keep them away from your yard. That’s because mosquitoes dislike the smell of essential oil as much as we dislike their presence. The best plants to help repel these pests include:

• Lavender
• Lemon Grass
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Sage

6. Change Your Lighting

Did you know that your lighting can affect mosquitoes? If you have standard light bulbs, mosquitoes will likely be flocking around that area, especially at night, as they use that light to search for food.

This doesn’t mean you have to sit in the dark to keep mosquitoes at bay. Instead, you can install some UV lights in areas where people gather. This lighting is less attractive to mosquitoes, which will help reduce their numbers.

7. Light Citronella Candles

Most bugs don’t like fire because it can kill them instantly. When fire is paired with a powerful scent, the result is an effective mosquito repellent. That is why citronella is so widely used to combat these pests.

It gives off a powerful smell that most bugs—namely mosquitoes—don’t love. So, if you plan on sitting outside, light a few of these candles to enjoy your evening in peace.

8. Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours When You Can

If it seems like there’s a mosquito waiting to bite you whenever you spend time outdoors, take note of the time of day that you’re going outside.

Mosquitoes are most active during sunrise and sunset because mosquitoes don’t like to be outside during the hottest part of the day.To enjoy your backyard, try heading outdoors when the sun is at its peak. Seek a shady spot and have some hydration handy. You may be a little warmer, but your chances of encountering mosquitoes will be less.

9. Spray Hydrogen Peroxide

Does hydrogen peroxide repel mosquitoes? The short answer is yes, it does. It’s an affordable mosquito-repellant hack you can use when you don’t have other options. If you’ve been wondering how to keep mosquitoes away from patio furniture, use a spray bottle to apply the solution to your patio furniture and other areas where mosquitoes frequent. This will help keep mosquitoes away for a short period and can kill any eggs they may have laid in the process.

Make the Outdoors Fun Again!

Now that you know how to keep mosquitoes away while sitting outside, it’s time to put it all to work. While not every method we mentioned will be effective in every situation, it’s important to remember that keeping mosquitoes away from your outdoor fun requires a proactive approach. One of the best and most effective ways to keep mosquitoes from ruining your outdoor activities is with the help of experts like Mosquito Joe®.

We know bugs and the best ways to keep them away from your outdoor areas. Our services are designed to eliminate mosquitoes and other pests so you can enjoy the time you spend on your patio, in your pool, or enjoying your backyard. And with work that’s backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, you can rest assured the job will be done right the first time. To learn more or to get started, request a free quote today!

It’s a peaceful summer night and you are slowly drifting off to sleep until you hear it—the obnoxious whine of a mosquito in your ear! It leaves you asking how these pesky mosquitoes got in and, more important, how to get rid of mosquitoes inside your house.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Inside the House

Once you determine that you have mosquitoes inside your home, the first thing you want to do is get rid of them, especially before you turn in for the night.

Consider these options for taking care of mosquitoes that are already in your home:

• Use an indoor insect fogger or insect spray to kill mosquitoes and treat areas where larvae may develop. Mosquitoes will gravitate toward dark, moist places so be sure to check in closets, under the sink, or around the laundry room.
• Purchase mosquito traps and place them around your home, focusing on the areas where mosquitoes are most prevalent.
• Put plants to work! Fill your home with mosquito-repelling herbs such as tulsi, catnip and feverfew.

The best way to keep their intrusion to a minimum is by being proactive and working to keep them out from the start.

Keep Mosquitoes Out of the House

Mosquitoes are effective at finding their way into homes. They actively seek out cracks, gaps, and broken screens. Use these tips to seal up your home and keep mosquitoes where they belong: outside.

• Inspect window and door screens for gaps and holes then either mend the tear or replace the screen.
• Inspect windows for gaps or weathered sealing and shore up these openings with caulk.
• Ensure weather seals on doors do not have any gaps. If they do, replace the seals.

What Type of Mosquitoes Are In Your Home

Have you ever wondered exactly what type of mosquitoes are likely to be flitting around your home? Culex mosquitoes are known as the Common House Mosquito because of their tendency to want to make their way into homes. While other types of mosquitoes may end up in the home, these are the only ones that seek out the indoors.

The best way to keep mosquitoes out of your home is also keeping them out of your yard. Contact us online or call Mosquito Joe today at 1-855-275-2563 so we can make outside fun again for you and your family!

Ugh! Why do mosquitoes bite me so much? My friends say having me along is the only bug spray they need! Is it my blood type? What blood type do mosquitoes like? Is it what I eat, what I wear, how I smell?

If these are questions that run through your mind every time you venture outdoors, rest assured, you’re not alone. Many people ask the same questions in an effort to understand why they are a mosquito magnet. Now, a guy or girl magnet, not so bad, but mosquitoes, no thanks! It can be maddening to be so attractive to mosquitoes. So, with help from the bug experts at Mosquito Joe® we’re going to give you the answers to:  Why do mosquitoes bite? We’ll cover mosquitoes and blood type, how different smells attract mosquitoes, and how your clothes can even play a role!

There are actually many possible reasons why you could be a favorite target of the little bloodsuckers. Let’s start answering some of those questions.

Mosquitoes and Blood Type—What the Research Says

For over 100 years, scientists have asked, “Why  do mosquitoes bite certain people more than others?” This curiosity has led them to investigate the variables that attract mosquitoes to bite. A study published in 1974 reviewed 102 participants, measuring how often each was bitten. The researchers evaluated each participant by skin temperature, percentage of subcutaneous fat, pigmentation, age, sex, nutrition, and blood type. Then, blood was extracted from the mosquitoes to determine the blood type most consumed by the feeding females. Among other findings, it was a great way to learn if there is a correlation between mosquitoes and blood type and what blood type mosquitoes like.

After crunching the numbers, researchers concluded that mosquitoes do indeed have a preferred blood type. What blood type do mosquitoes like? The nasty biters show a marked preference for feeding on type O blood. So, if you have blood type O, you are more prone to mosquito bites. (O, what a bummer!) That explains why a mosquito who bites you once, often bites you again (going back for seconds). But why do mosquitoes bite you in the first place? Do they know your blood chemistry before they bite?

A 2004 study evaluated participants’ secretor status as well as blood type. Many people secrete antigens from their blood type in bodily fluids like sweat, saliva, and tears, while others do not. This means that creatures with an exceptional sense of smell, like dogs and mosquitoes (and presumably vampires), can detect the blood type of secretors without directly testing (or tasting) their blood. So, it’s not enough to ask, “What blood type do mosquitoes like best?” It turns out that what mosquitoes reallylike are secretors with blood type O. Type B is another favored blood type that attracts mosquitoes, though to a lesser degree than type O.

But why do mosquitoes like type O blood so much? A 2019 study investigated the egg production of mosquitoes that fed on different blood types but found no significant difference. So, the question remains unanswered, though there are indications that additional factors other than blood type are involved in the attraction of mosquitoes.

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite?

So, why do mosquitoes bite anyone? We know that only female mosquitoes bite people, and they do so to drink our blood. The blood meal provides essential nutrients for growing eggs and reproduction. In feeding on our blood, mosquitoes spread so many diseases that they kill more humans worldwide than any other animal. So, scientists are keen to learn why mosquitoes bite certain people. It is a key consideration to aid efforts to control outbreaks of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus.

So, let’s see what other than your blood type can make you attract mosquitoes and get bitten more than your friends. Some of this information will help you avoid getting bitten, even if your blood is of the tasty type O variety.

Is What You Wear a Factor?

When answering the question, “Why do mosquitoes bite me so much?” you must consider the clothes you wear when you’re outside. It is not yet clear why, but biting mosquitoes are attracted to the color black. Multiple studies, the oldest dating back to 1910, have documented this color preference, though the underlying reason is still obscure. Female mosquitoes also show a preference for red, orange, and cyan.

So, when you’re participating in outdoor activities or attending an outdoor event, wear white or light-colored clothing to make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes. But remember that they bite right through thin, lightweight fabrics worn close to the skin. Therefore, loose-fitting clothing in a light color that covers your wrists and ankles is best, especially for those prone to mosquito bites.

Does the Scent You Give Off Matter?

Have you ever wondered how mosquitoes can find you so fast? They hunt their prey by smell and zero in on the carbon dioxide you release whenever you exhale. There is evidence to support the theory that mosquitoes can detect their preferred Type O blood antigens in the breath of Type O secretors. Certainly, the antigens may play a part in body odor, which can also attract mosquitoes.

While female mosquitoes hunt people to feed on their blood, they also feed on the nectar of many flowering plants. They find their food through scent and have proven to be attracted to people wearing floral perfumes, colognes, and lotions. If you don’t want to attract mosquitoes, skip using floral-scented soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, and scented deodorant when heading outdoors. Using unscented deodorant won’t repel biters, but it can make you less attractive to them.

Can What You Eat Attract Mosquitoes?

Your odds of getting bitten go beyond the clothes you wear, how you smell, and a mosquito’s preferred blood type. Sometimes, it seems as if mosquitoes enjoy a midsummer night party as much as we do. If there’s beer, guacamole, and banana daiquiris, then mosquitoes are in!

Studies have found that beer and foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, avocados, and dried fruit, tend to attract mosquitoes. The bloodsuckers seem to be particularly interested in biting those who have consumed beer or eaten bananas. However, there does not appear to be anything you can eat to repel these biters. Studies have dispelled the rumors that eating garlic or taking vitamin B will protect you from being bitten.

Is Your Chemical Composition Important?

Female mosquitoes are frighteningly adept at finding us, their favorite food source. A new study, released in August 2022, demonstrates that mosquitoes’ olfactory system, responsible for their acute sense of smell, is unusually complex. Even the mosquitoes whose olfactory sense was damaged by researchers could unerringly find their favored mosquito magnets, us. It is believed that when mosquitoes bite certain people consistently, it is about much more than blood type. Scientists have come to believe that the specific makeup of the beneficial bacteria living on your skin plays a role in attracting biters. Your genetic makeup and unique chemical composition make you prone to mosquito bites.

Does it Matter When and How Much You Exercise?

Exercise is good for you, right? Surely, it can’t be an answer to “Why do mosquitoes bite me so much?” But two compounds we know attract mosquitoes are carbon monoxide and lactic acid, both are produced in abundance when we exercise. When we exhale, we release carbon monoxide. Our bodies produce lactic acid, which increases when we use our muscles. So, exercising increases the levels of these mosquito-attracting substances we release. While exercise is a factor, the intensity of your workout can also be a factor. A more intense workout will produce more lactic acid, sweat, and carbon monoxide. Additionally, strenuous exercise causes us to produce more uric acid, and ammonia, all of which can make you more prone to mosquito bites. As for the best time to exercise outdoors? If you’re committed to your outdoor exercise routine, it’s best to avoid exercising at dawn or dusk, which is typically the height of mosquito activity.

Are You More Vulnerable If You’re Pregnant?

A 2000 study revealed that pregnant women are twice as likely to get bitten by mosquitoes than are women who aren’t pregnant. It is believed that the slightly high body temperature and increased release of carbon monoxide may factor into this preference.
As we’ve seen, there are many possible answers to the question, “Why do mosquitoes bite me so much?” While it goes far beyond learning what blood type mosquitoes like most, it remains an intriguing question. Let’s take a closer look at mosquitoes and blood type.

Mosquitoes and Blood Type

So, we’ve examined what blood type mosquitoes like most and found that studies consistently show that type O secretors attract mosquitoes more than other people. But why do mosquitoes like type O blood so much? It’s a great question, but unfortunately, we don’t have a definitive answer yet.

At this point, scientists aren’t 100% sure why mosquitoes like type O blood. Some believe it has to do with which blood type was dominant in the region where a mosquito species evolved. For instance, Ae. aegyptiis believed to have evolved in Africa, where type O is the most prevalent blood type. Meanwhile, Ae. albopictus originated in Asia, with pockets of population higher in people with type A blood. Interestingly, Ae. albopictus doesn’t appear to have a preferred blood type.

Studies examining the quantity and quality of eggs laid by females feeding exclusively on type O blood show no meaningful difference from eggs laid by females feeding on other blood types. So, what’s going on? We’re not sure, but it does raise more questions.

What Blood Type Do Mosquitoes NOT Like?

We’ve been eager to look into what blood type mosquitoes like and why, but it’s also worth considering if there is a blood type that doesn’t attract mosquitoes. In other words, what blood type do mosquitoes not like?

It turns out that of all blood types people have, mosquitoes like type A the least. But if the proteins in different blood types don’t affect the eggs, why does the female care?

After O, the next most popular blood type with mosquitoes is type B, followed by type AB. So, mosquitoes’ blood type preferences are O > B > AB > A.

Considering that the biters might be trying to avoid the proteins of type A blood, scientists isolated the antigens. While the antigens of blood type O were more attractive than others, type A antigens were more attractive than those of blood type B or AB. So, asking, “What blood type do mosquitoes like and dislike?” just leads to more questions.

As fascinating as the mosquitoes and blood type questions are, remember that there are many other factors influencing why mosquitoes bite.

How To Prevent Mosquito Bites

Now that you know what blood type mosquitoes like most and the many reasons why mosquitoes bite certain people more than others, how can you protect yourself? When you are prone to mosquito bites, preventing them takes a multipronged approach that includes the following:

• Keeping the yard well-maintained.
• Removing all sources of standing water.
• Avoiding floral-scented perfumes and lotion when attending outdoor events.
• Lighting citronella candles and torches.
• Hiring professional mosquito control services.

Stay Bite-Free With Mosquito Joe!

Mosquito Joe is dedicated to reclaiming your outdoor spaces for bite-free family fun. Our comprehensive pest control services are available across the country and include barrier treatments, mosquito misting services, and eco-friendly treatments to repel mosquitoes.

Whichever approach you choose, rest assured that all our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™and the Mosquito Joe guarantee, which ensures your satisfaction. Request a free quote today!

Let us make the outdoors fun again for everyone!

Understanding the life cycle of a mosquito is essential for effective pest control. It helps us find ways to interrupt the mosquito life cycle, thereby reducing the number of biting adults. For instance, you may already know how important it is to remove sources of standing water from your property. Even just a bottle cap full of still water gives female mosquitoes a good place to lay their eggs, ensuring another generation of biting, blood-sucking insects. Denying them nesting sites on your property forces them to lay their eggs elsewhere. Since most mosquito species fly just 1-3 miles in their lifetime, this can significantly reduce the number of biters around your home. Similarly, understanding how the life cycle of mosquitoes changes in winter provides an important opportunity to further control the population.

The Four Stages of the Mosquito Life Cycle

There are four distinct stages to the life cycle of a mosquito: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Although only the adult female mosquito bites people, every stage of the mosquito life cycle is essential for supporting the population of these biting, blood-sucking pests.

Mosquito Eggs
Most female mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of standing water. However, some prefer damp soil that will soon be flooded. Typically, mosquito eggs hatch in 24-48 hours, entering the larva stage.

Mosquito Larva
The second stage of the life cycle of a mosquito is when they become larvae (singular larva). The larva lives in standing water, coming to the surface to breathe. The larvae feed on microorganisms in the water as they grow. The growing larvae shed their skin four times, revealing a larger larva each time. After about ten days, the final shedding reveals the pupal stage.

Mosquito Pupa
In the pupal stage of the mosquito life cycle, the insect doesn’t feed. This stage is analogous to a caterpillar’s time in a cocoon. The pupa develops into the winged adult mosquito we are anxious to avoid.

Mosquito Adult
At last, the adult mosquito emerges from the pupal stage, typically in 2-3 days. Initially, the mosquito needs time for its body parts to harden before it can fly. Then, adult females begin biting people to suck their blood. They lay their eggs to begin the life cycle all over again.

Spring through fall, the mosquito life cycle rapidly repeats every 10-14 days, with many adults, eggs, larvae, and pupae coexisting in your yard. But when the temperatures drop, something strange happens.

Environmental Effects on the Mosquito Life Cycle

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded, so they are heavily affected by temperature fluctuations. They are most active in warm weather, particularly at temperatures around 80℉. The mosquito life cycle time varies by species and weather conditions, but many mosquito species complete their life cycle in 14 days at 70℉ and in just ten days at 80℉.

In colder temperatures, mosquitoes slow down. At 60℉, they grow lethargic, and they shut down at 50℉. But there are several mosquito varieties in the United States that can survive the winter, even in places where it snows. These insects continue the life cycle throughout winter, causing the two-week time frame of the mosquito life cycle to balloon to several months and, in some cases, years.

Life Cycle Process of Mosquito Diapause

It’s such a relief when mosquitoes go away in winter. But of course, they don’t actually leave, and most don’t die. Many mosquitoes simply stop biting people during the colder months, instead slipping into a form of hibernation or dormancy called diapause. This dormancy period can extend the life cycle of a mosquito by months. Shortening daylight hours and dropping temperatures signal the insects that it is time to go dormant. By entering diapause in winter, mosquitoes survive the cold, saving their energy and focusing on reproduction. This is how mosquitoes can attack the spring in undiminished numbers. Unfortunately, this is also how the diseases mosquitoes carry survive the winter.

Diapause can occur at different mosquito life cycle stages for different species. Some mosquitoes, like members of genera Culiseta, Culex, and Anopheles, enter diapause as adult insects. Come spring, they resume feeding and then breed. But those in the genus Aedes lay winter-hardy eggs that remain dormant for months until the warmer weather of spring returns. Some mosquito eggs remain dormant for years before hatching healthy, hungry larvae. These winter-hardy eggs are often submerged under ice and hatch when spring and warmer weather arrive. These four winter-hardy genera represent roughly 1500 species of mosquitoes that are active throughout the United States.

Diapause enables cold-blooded mosquitoes to survive sub-zero temperatures. However, when mosquitoes hibernate in winter, they are particularly vulnerable to pest control efforts. Mosquito control in winter can drastically cut down the population of biting pests in spring.

Mosquito Diapause and Winter Pest Control

We’ve seen that the life cycle of a mosquito can be greatly lengthened in winter by diapause. But the cold weather makes adult mosquitoes slow and lethargic, and rafts of eggs wait months to hatch. So winter time is a crucial opportunity to go on the offensive with these pest control actions:

• Adult female mosquitoes hide during the winter, taking shelter in tall grass, overgrown brush, yard debris, garden waste, logs, or fallen branches. Keep the yard cleaned up and the plants well-tended to eliminate shelter for dormant mosquitoes.
• Standing water is crucial for mosquitoes to live and reproduce. So eliminating all sources of standing water on your property—even in winter—is essential to breaking the mosquito life cycle. Remove or overturn wheelbarrows, empty pots, buckets, or anything that can hold water. Empty catch trays religiously. And wipe down patio furniture and outdoor toys that can collect water.
• Hire professional mosquito control service from your neighbors at Mosquito Joe. We know all the tricks the female mosquito employs to ensure that she and her hungry brood survive to feast on you and your family when the time is right. Our professionals will effectively kill dormant adults and their unhatched eggs.

Choose Mosquito Joe for Winter Pest Control

At Mosquito Joe, we take winter pest control seriously. It allows us to help you get ahead of the biters so that you and your family can enjoy the outdoors in peace. In addition to our comprehensive mosquito control solutions, we offer natural pest control treatments, as well as relief from fleas and ticks. Request a quote using our online form, or give us a call at 1-855-275-2563.

We look forward to making your outdoors fun again!

Have you ever wondered what happens to mosquitoes in the winter? Well, despite the rumors, they don’t all vacation in Florida during the coldest months of the year. Since these tiny creatures are cold-blooded and most active when temperatures are around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they become lethargic when temps drop to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. At 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below, mosquitoes cannot function. So, if they’re not heading south, do mosquitoes die in the winter? Some do, but not all, which raises questions like how do mosquitoes survive the winter and where do mosquitoes go during winter? The answers depend on the complexity of the mosquito life cycle and how it adapts to winter weather.

So, why is any of this important? Well, understanding what happens to mosquitoes in winter can actually help protect you and your family from itchy mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit all year long. Sure, we have a thing for bugs, but scientists, professional pest control experts, and residents can all benefit from understanding our pesky, bloodsucking foe, the mosquito. If we’ve piqued your interest, read on to learn what happens to mosquitoes in the wintertime.

Understanding the Mosquito Life Cycle

A mosquito’s life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Every stage of the mosquito’s life is integral to providing an ongoing population of mosquitoes. Mosquito control efforts seek to break this life cycle while scientists try to exploit it to defeat these disease-carrying pests. Although the mosquito life cycle always progresses through all four stages, each stage varies greatly in length, depending upon the ambient temperatures of its surroundings.

How Temperature Affects the Life Cycle of Mosquitoes

Because mosquitoes are most active in warm weather (they like it hot), their life cycle completes most quickly in the spring and summer months. Many species move from egg to biting adult in just 14 days at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature increase of 10 degrees (to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) shortens this cycle to just 10 days. It is not just the speed of the life cycle that is affected by temperature, but also the quality and success. Higher temperatures within the mosquito’s comfort range produce more eggs that hatch into larger larvae that grow into bigger adults (yikes!). But wait! There’s more. Most discouraging, studies find that mosquitoes born and raised in warmer temperatures are also more resistant to certain insecticides. Not great news for those of us who enjoy spending summer days outdoors.

However, when the temperatures drop, many mosquito species enter a state of extreme torpor, like hibernation. This is why many people ask, “do mosquitoes die in the winter?” Although it may seem like they have disappeared forever, rumors of their death are greatly exaggerated. What happens to mosquitoes in the winter is not the end for many buzzing biters, but rather, I’ll catch up with you at the summer BBQ.

In reality, they are indulging in their version of hibernation. This mosquito “dormancy” is called diapause. Diapause enables mosquitoes and the diseases they carry to survive the winter (how did we get so lucky). Some mosquito species enter diapause as adults. The adult females mate in the fall; then, they look for animal burrows or hollow logs to survive the cold winter in a diapause state. Other species lay winter-hardy eggs that can survive freezing temperatures to hatch in the spring (more on this below).

Mosquito Eggs in Winter

As mentioned, certain mosquito species, like those in the genus Aedes, lay winter-hardy eggs that can survive sub-freezing temperatures. These winter-proof mosquito eggs do not die in winter because they have a natural antifreeze that keeps them from freezing completely. They are typically submerged under the ice, where they remain dormant for months until warmer spring weather returns. When the weather warms, it triggers the hatching, and these hungry larvae emerge ready to create havoc for man and beast.

Mosquito Larvae in Winter

Winter-hardy mosquito eggs are one-way mosquitoes remain in diapause until the weather warms. But some mosquito varieties also produce winter-hardy larvae that can slow their metabolism and remain dormant for winter. Active mosquito larvae typically feed on bacteria, microorganisms, and detritus in the water they inhabit. But those in diapause fast until they awaken in spring, which means they are going to emerge hungry and ready to feed.

Mosquito Pupae in Winter

At every stage of their life cycle, mosquitoes are highly sensitive to temperature. Adult females alter the time of their egg-laying based on warming and cooling temps. Winter-hardy eggs and larvae do not develop further while in diapause. Now for some good news. Mosquito pupae cannot survive freezing temperatures, so the other stages adjust their timing to avoid pupating during winter.

Mosquito Adults in Winter

Okay, it’s true. Some (not all) mosquitoes do spend their winter in places like Florida and Arizona. For those adults evolved to survive winter in colder climates, they enter diapause and shut down their metabolism to wait out the cold. Adult females can survive for months in this state, snug in warm animal burrows or protected in hollow logs or similar shelters. This is how mosquitoes survive winter if they don’t head south or west to avoid the cold.

Once the warmer weather of spring arrives, the cold-hardy eggs hatch and dormant adults wake up to feed and breed. This is about all they do during this period. It’s all about survival and making up for lost time at this point. This is why it’s so important to take a proactive approach to mosquito control around your property before the warm weather arrives.

How To Control Mosquitoes in Winter

Although mosquitoes aren’t active in winter, mosquito control can be valuable in the colder months. Eliminating dormant eggs and larvae or killing fertilized adult females in diapause can give you a jump on controlling the biting population in spring and summer. You can see to it that your mosquitoes do not survive the winter. This is the time to begin yard care routines that will interrupt the mosquito life cycle.

Knowing where mosquitoes are likely to spend the winter months hibernating will make it easier to reduce their numbers come spring. Dormant adult female mosquitoes hide in piled leaves, animal burrows, garbage, yard debris, fallen logs, stacked firewood, and tree trunks. So, keep your yard cleaned up and freer of debris to deny them shelter or destroy the slumbering biters. Also, clear all locations on your property that collect and hold standing water. An adult female mosquito can lay 100-200 eggs in just a bottle cap of water! Empty catch trays and wheelbarrows, clear the gutters and eliminate all places where melting snow and ice collect. Continue this throughout the winter to dispose of hibernating eggs and larvae. Spring through summer, keeping these places dry prevents adults from laying their eggs there.

Mosquito Joe Controls Mosquitoes in Winter and Year Round

At Mosquito Joe, our goal is to help you enjoy your outdoor spaces without biting pests. For us, it’s not just about providing pest control services but also arming you with the knowledge that empowers you to protect yourself and your family. Prevention is a critical piece of effective pest management, so you can count on us to keep you informed about what happens to mosquitoes in winter and similar topics.

When you need us, our team of experienced pros is ready to provide the expert services that thousands of homeowners and businesses rely on. We have Mosquito Joe locations across the country. Each is staffed by experts who are knowledgeable about how to effectively deal with the specific critters in their area. Our Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe® Satisfaction Guarantee back all our work and ensure your satisfaction. So, request a quote at the top of this page or give us a call. Let’s make the outdoors fun again!