After the Snowpocalypse of 2021, a lot of our customers were surprised to find that it had little impact on the mosquito population. We pointed out to them that Alaska has a horrible mosquito issue, and they don’t exactly have a warm winter. The fact is that, while some mosquitoes will die, the majority will simply slow down and become lethargic, seek shelter and then hibernate. Once the temperatures hit 55 degrees hibernation is over, mosquito eggs begin to hatch, and life begins anew.

But this does beg the question, particularly while we are in the midst of a Texas summer, what impact does the heat have on mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded. This means that they are unable to regulate their body temperature and are impacted by the temperatures around them. Their ideal temperature is 80 degrees, and they will shelter from the sun during the day, appearing in high numbers at dawn and dusk when it is cooler. Some species, such as the Asian Tiger mosquito, will be out during the day, but for the most part, they want shade and cool. Prolonged exposure to the sun will cause dehydration and they obviously want to avoid that.

It is possible to reach a temperature where mosquitoes do dehydrate and die, but sadly not here in the Houston area. What saves the mosquito from being impacted by our high temperatures is our humidity.

Unlike the dry dessert, where mosquitoes fail to thrive, here the combination of summer storms and high humidity means that mosquitoes are not affected by the temperatures. In fact, our weather provides an excellent environment for them. We have some species of mosquitoes that only become active in the fall and cooler months, so sadly not only does our weather encourage mosquito breeding, but we never have a time of year without them (except our week of the Snowpocalypse!)

Luckily, Mosquito Joe is ready to make outside fun again with our outdoor pest control services! Fill out a form or give us a call for a free quote today!