Mosquitoes are a nuisance for most of the summer, but what happens to them in the winter? Where do mosquitoes go in the winter? By learning more about their life cycle and activity during colder temperatures, you can better control mosquitoes around your home all year long. Rest assured that you don’t have to battle mosquitoes alone. Mosquito Joe® is dedicated to providing you with high-quality pest control services whenever you need them. We’re also here to answer any questions you may have. Check out our learning center for more information about mosquitoes and other pests.
The Four Stages of 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. 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.
Mosquito Eggs in Winter
When female mosquitoes lay their eggs in the fall, they do so in the water, which freezes with the eggs in it. During these freezing temperatures, mosquito eggs usually enter a dormant state called “diapause.” They will survive as eggs and wait until warmer temperatures to hatch. The ice will melt, the eggs will hatch, and the mosquitoes will continue their development. By going into dormancy, mosquitoes are able to pause their life cycle and continue developing when spring comes.
Mosquito Larvae in Winter
Similar to mosquito eggs, mosquito larvae can also enter diapause in the winter. They will remain in moist soil or water, where they pause their life cycle until temperatures go back up. They are able to withstand freezing temperatures and go without food until the spring. 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
Mosquito pupae are highly sensitive to cold temperatures and are unable to survive freezing or near-freezing conditions during the winter. As a result, most mosquito pupae do not live beyond the fall season. When temperatures drop, the mosquito life cycle halts, and pupae die off before they can mature into adults. Instead of surviving winter as pupae, mosquitoes rely on eggs laid before winter to carry the species through the colder months. These eggs remain dormant until warmer weather arrives in the spring, at which point they hatch into larvae and continue their development. This adaptation helps mosquitoes restart their life cycle as soon as conditions become favorable again.
Mosquito Adults in Winter
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded and thrive in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. When temperatures fall below 50°F, adult mosquitoes may hibernate. If they do, they will find protected locations like hollow logs, burrows, or basements. Their metabolism slows down, their development pauses, and they can survive in this state for several months if needed. Keep in mind: This is only for locations where temperatures drop below freezing. Mosquitoes in the southern United States typically thrive all year.
How Temperature Affects the Mosquito Life Cycle
The temperature has a big impact on each stage of the mosquito life cycle:
- Egg: Eggs will delay hatching over the winter, but they often hatch within days during warmer weather.
- Larvae: Winter will put larvae into diapause, delaying their development from a few days to weeks.
- Pupae: Colder temperatures will typically kill pupae, eliminating mosquitoes in this stage of their life cycle.
- Adult: Cooler temperatures will slow down adult reproduction and keep adults in a hibernating state until spring. They are less active and have a much slower metabolism.
Winter weather can extend the mosquito lifespan by pausing their development for months as eggs, larvae, or adults. However, it also halts reproductive efforts until the ice melts and female mosquitoes begin to feed and lay eggs again.
How Long Is the Life Cycle of a Mosquito in the Winter?
The length of the life cycle of a mosquito varies according to the temperature. Because mosquitoes are most active in warm weather, 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°F. A temperature increase of 10 degrees (to 80°F) shortens this cycle to just 10 days. In temperatures below freezing, mosquitoes will typically enter diapause, delaying their development and extending their lifespan.
Where Do Mosquitoes Go in the Winter?
However, when the temperatures drop, many mosquito species enter a state of extreme torpor, like hibernation. 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.
How to Control Mosquitoes in the Winter
Even in winter, mosquitoes can survive by hiding in warm places or in their eggs. To control mosquitoes during this time, follow these simple steps:
- Remove standing water: Look for areas where water collects, such as flowerpots, birdbaths, buckets, and old tires. Mosquito eggs can survive in water for weeks and hatch as soon as temperatures rise. Regularly empty and clean these items to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
- Clean gutters: When water gets trapped in clogged gutters, the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes appears, even in cooler months. Clear your gutters so they are free of leaves and debris, enabling water to flow freely.
- Seal cracks and holes: Inspect doors, windows, and walls for small gaps or cracks where mosquitoes might enter to stay warm. Seal these openings with weather strips or caulk to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Use indoor traps: If you notice mosquitoes indoors during winter, set up mosquito traps or use safe insect sprays to catch or kill them. This can help reduce the number of mosquitoes that survive until spring.
- Keep warm spaces dry: Mosquitoes often hide in warm, damp areas like basements, garages, or sheds. Check these places regularly, and keep them clean and dry by fixing leaks, wiping up moisture, and using a dehumidifier if needed.
By following these steps, you can help prevent mosquitoes from surviving the winter and reduce their numbers when the weather warms up!
Take Action to Control Mosquitoes Today
At Mosquito Joe, our goal is to help you make outdoors fun again. We not only provide high-quality pest control services but also arm you with empowering knowledge that can help protect you and your family. Prevention is critical for effective pest management. That’s why we keep you informed about what happens to mosquitoes in winter and other pest-related topics.
Our experienced pros provide services that thousands of homeowners and businesses rely on. Our Mosquito Joe locations are spread throughout the country.
Our experienced pros provide services that thousands of homeowners and businesses rely on. Mosquito Joe locations are spread throughout the country, and each is staffed by experts who know how to effectively deal with the specific critters in their area. The Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee back all our work and ensure your satisfaction. So, request a free estimate today and ensure your property is set up to be as bite-free as possible!
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
