Particularly for northern areas, the arrival of cooler temperatures provides a significant relief from the presence of pesky mosquitoes. However, come spring, as predictable as the blooming of flowers, the buzz and bite of the mosquito returns, turning your outdoor fun into a swat fest.
While we know the number of mosquitoes decreases as the weather gets colder. Are mosquitoes able to survive winter temperatures? The experts at Mosquito Joe® have some insight and an answer to the question, how do mosquitoes survive winter?
Where Do Mosquitoes Go in the Winter?
Unfortunately, mosquitoes don’t just disappear in the winter. Once temperatures drop below 50 degrees, some mosquitoes become inactive, while others die off. Those that become inactive look for dark and damp areas that are somewhat protected from the elements, including caves, tree holes, sewers, catch basins, and even basements. During this dormant phase, they do not feed. So, how do mosquitoes survive winter?
How Do Mosquitoes Survive in the Winter Cold?
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded, so one would think that the arrival of cold weather would spell their demise. Not so! Mosquitoes have two main techniques to ensure their survival in the cold winter months: hibernation and laying eggs.
Diapause
So, where do mosquitoes hibernate in winter? Mosquitoes prefer temperatures in the 80-degree range. Once the mercury falls below 50 degrees, many species shut down for the winter. This form of mosquito hibernation is called diapause. In this state, mosquitoes, like the Culex pipiens mosquito, shut down their development and don’t need to feed. They simply hide out until spring, when the temperatures rise again.
While the males die, the adult females survive in a diapause state, finding holes in logs, animal dens, or even human habitats (such as cabins or homes) where they stay dormant in anticipation of warmer weather, emerging again when temperatures reach 50 degrees. In order to survive diapause, female mosquitoes bulk up, storing fat for the winter, much like bears. Female mosquitoes typically accumulate 10 times more fat than a mosquito in the warmer months, allowing them to survive the colder winter months.
Mosquito Hibernation
Another winter survival technique mosquitoes use is hibernation. Some mosquito species, like the Cattail mosquito, survive as larvae, attaching themselves to the roots of plants or surviving on aquatic plants in frozen bodies of water. Like adult mosquitoes in diapause, development of the mosquito larvae is slowed significantly so they can survive until spring.
How Do Mosquitoes Survive in the Winter As Eggs?
Mosquitoes are very resilient creatures. In fact, mosquito eggs can survive in snow-covered creeks or be dried out on the soil until wet spring weather returns. The adult females will lay eggs in places that will eventually thaw, including on the banks of bodies of water or even in cold water ponds, bogs, and wetlands. Here, the eggs will survive even in sub-freezing temperatures until warmer water temperatures prompt them to hatch. While this does not secure the survival of the mosquitoes that lay the eggs, it does allow for the repopulation of mosquitoes come spring. Having survived for millions of years, mosquitoes have proven to be a hardy species able to thrive even after long winters. Some mosquito species, like the Spring Aedes mosquito, lay eggs to ensure the survival of future generations.
Preventing Mosquitoes in Winter and Beyond
Now that we’ve explained how mosquitoes survive cold weather and where they spend the winter months, it’s time to focus on preventive measures that will help you avoid problems this spring.
First, reduce potential breeding grounds like standing water and wood or debris piles where mosquitoes can hide out in the winter. Doing so will make it less likely that you’ll have hatching eggs around your property in the spring. Second, have outdoor areas treated by a professional. This will help reduce the resurgence of mosquitoes in the spring.
Finally, take a look around your property and address any places where mosquitoes like to lay eggs, and that may hatch the following spring. This is one of the best ways to decrease the number of springtime mosquitoes in your yard. Standing water is an ideal nursery for young mosquitoes. An adult female mosquito can lay 100-200 eggs in just a bottle cap of water. As such, make sure your yard is free from any standing water in the fall and winter months. Here are some easy ways to remove the habitats where mosquitoes like to lay their eggs:
- Empty any kiddie pools and water toys by turning them over and leaving them upside down to dry.
- Check swing sets or play structures regularly for water accumulation and empty them.
- Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
- Clean out any standing water in flower pots.
- Keep garbage pails tightly covered.
- Change or drain tarps for firewood and outdoor pools, and check your barbecue cover daily for any pooled water.
- Get rid of or regularly check any items that could hold pooled water, such as boats, canoes, kayaks, old tires, buckets or cans.
- Regularly clean gutters to prevent standing water in them.
- Change the water in bird baths or wading pools daily.
- Aerate water features on your property, or stock them with fish that feed on mosquitoes and larvae.
After reducing any areas of standing water, consider having your property treated so you can enjoy your time outside, swat-free. Local experts like Mosquito Joe offer pest control services that will protect your property from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.Here are some pest control treatment options to consider:
Barrier Spray
A barrier spray treatment is a popular option because it offers up to 21 days of protection and helps rid your property of mosquitoes, larvae, and viable eggs. These treatments target the perimeter of your property as well as the foliage, plus any other places the mosquitoes may live or breed. Your yard is ready for you to enjoy after just 30 minutes, following application!
Eco-Friendly Treatments
Eco-friendly treatment options deter mosquitoes effectively, just like traditional barrier spray treatment. Natural treatments typically range from all-natural garlic sprays to botanicals derived from natural plant-based essential oils. These treatments provide effective protection for 14-21 days, depending on which treatment you choose. Eco-friendly treatments may leave a strong scent of garlic or essential oils for the first one to two hours following treatment.
Automated Defense Systems
In areas where mosquitoes are a particularly pesky problem, a more permanent solution may be desired to get rid of them. In that case, our automated defense system may be right for you. A trained Mosquito Joe professional can evaluate your property and help you make that determination.
The Ultimate Defense Against Mosquitoes
As mentioned, Mosquitoes are resilient creatures. As they continue to evolve and develop new ways to survive in harsh conditions, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your property. The best way to do that is to hire experts like Mosquito Joe. They offer several different service options, including traditional and eco-friendly treatments. And all they work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to ensure your satisfaction.
Not quite sure what treatment is best for you? Contact Mosquito Joe today for your free estimate and start your springtime itch-free.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
