The impact of warmer winters on pests may not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing climate change. Let’s think about it for a minute. Since cold weather slows down pest reproduction and even kills species that can’t tolerate the cold, the opposite holds true for mild winters. Promoting survival, reproduction, and the spread of ticks and mosquitoes, warmer winters lead to more infestations and greater issues during the spring and summer. By understanding more about how warm winters impact tick and mosquito life cycles, you can take the right steps to protect your family and property.
How Warmer Winters Affect Tick and Mosquito Life Cycles
Ticks and mosquitoes depend on the weather to survive. When winters are cold, many pests die off, but warm winters help them survive and reproduce more easily.
- More survivors: Cold winters kill many pests, but mild winters allow more ticks and mosquitoes to survive and become active earlier in the year.
- Faster reproduction: Warmer weather helps mosquitoes lay more eggs and makes it easier for ticks to find hosts. This leads to larger populations.
- Shorter dormancy: Some pests go into a resting state called diapause during winter. When winters are mild, pests like ticks and mosquitoes may not rest as long, which means they start causing problems sooner.
These changes mean more ticks and mosquitoes, which can lead to more bites and increased risks of disease.
Where Do Ticks and Mosquitoes Go in Winter?
When examining how mosquitoes survive winter, we see an interesting unfolding of events. The same goes for ticks in winter.
Adult mosquitoes usually die off when temperatures drop, but their eggs can typically survive in frozen water until spring. In warm winters, these eggs may hatch earlier, and some adult mosquitoes may even survive in sheltered places like garages or basements.
Similarly, ticks don’t completely die off in winter. Instead, they hide in leaf piles, soil, or on animals to stay warm. When winters are mild, ticks remain active for longer periods, increasing the chance of finding a host even in the colder months. With fewer cold days to slow them down, these pests are less likely to go dormant, which means they’re ready to bother even before spring arrives.
Warm Winters and the Spread of Ticks and Mosquitoes
One of the biggest issues with warm winters is that they allow ticks and mosquitoes to spread into new areas. Milder temperatures make it easier for these pests to survive in places that were once too cold for them.
For example, invasive species like the Asian tiger mosquito are thriving in new regions with warmer climates. These aggressive biters can carry dangerous diseases such as Zika and dengue. Ticks are also expanding their range. Black-legged ticks, which spread Lyme disease, have moved farther north in recent years, increasing the risk of illness in areas previously unaffected.
The combination of growing pest populations and expanded habitats makes controlling ticks and mosquitoes a bigger challenge than ever before.
Mosquito and Tick Control Tips for Warm Winters
You can protect your yard from ticks and mosquitoes, even during mild winters by following tips to make your outdoor and indoor spaces less inviting to pests. Go for DIY methods to keep mosquitos and ticks under control or call the pros to rid your property of them year around.
Outdoor Tips:
- Eliminate Standing Water: Start by getting rid of standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water, so check pet water bowls, birdbaths, flowerpots, and kiddie pools often and empty them.
- Rake Leaves and Trim Grass: Keeping your yard clean is also important. Ticks like to hide in piles of leaves and tall grass, so rake leaves and keep your lawn short.
Indoor Tips:
- Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows: To stop pests from getting inside, seal up any cracks or gaps around your windows, doors, and walls. Consider screens if you don’t have them on all doors and windows.
Eco-Friendly Options:
- Use Natural Repellents: You can also use eco-friendly sprays made with natural ingredients like citronella or peppermint oil to keep ticks and mosquitoes away.
Professional Help:
If you want extra help, call a trusted professional pest control service like Mosquito Joe®. They can treat your yard and keep it protected beyond the winter months with effective barrier sprays and other eco-friendly methods tailored to your property.
Protect Your Yard from Ticks and Mosquitoes Today
Warm winters mean more active ticks and mosquitoes. By understanding how these pests behave in milder winters, you can take action to keep your family and pets safe.
Don’t wait for pests to take over your yard. Contact Mosquito Joe for professional help with mosquito and tick control. Our customized treatments are designed to tackle pests year-round, no matter the weather. Plus, with the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, you can count on reliable results. Request your free estimate today and enjoy a pest-free yard!
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.
