Do mosquitoes migrate when the weather begins to cool?  Do they die?  Where do mosquitoes go in the winter?

The life cycle of a mosquito depends on the species, sex, and even the environment.  For instance, male mosquitoes tend to have a shorter lifespan than females.  Male mosquitoes usually mate once and die.  Their lifespan is an average of one week.  The female mosquito usually lives through three breeding cycles.  They can lay eggs about every third day of their lives.  Depending on their mating schedule, female mosquitoes can live a couple of weeks or even a month.  One study found that the West Nile mosquito species, Culex, survived longer in mild summer temperatures.  Extreme temperatures saw shorter lifespans for both male and female Culex mosquitoes.  What about wintertime temperatures?

Do mosquitoes migrate?

Mosquitoes are not migratory.  The do not seek warmer weather.  The only reason mosquitoes fly is to find their blood meals and mating partners.  Asian tiger mosquitoes have a very short range of only 300 or so feet.  Asian tiger mosquitoes are carriers of Zika virus and malaria.  Other mosquitoes fly farther if necessary, up to three miles.

Do mosquitoes die in the winter?

Yes and no.  When temperatures get consistently below 50°F, adult mosquitoes can and do hibernate.  A female mosquito might choose to lay her eggs in frozen water in the winter and die, or she might choose to lie dormant beneath mulch, leaves, or in a hole in the ground to wait out the cold weather.  Mosquito eggs that are deposited into frozen water will also lie dormant until warm weather allows them to emerge as larva.  It will take only eight to ten days for that new mosquito hatchling to become an adult.

With such a short lifespan, why are there so many mosquitoes?

The reason there are so many mosquitoes is that a single clutch of eggs can amount up to 200.  If a single female mosquito lays three clutches in her short lifetime, she can produce hundreds of little blood suckers.  Of course, not all eggs survive to adulthood, but with 100 or 200 eggs per clutch, the chances of many mosquitoes surviving are pretty good!

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When should I stop mosquito control?

The most effective mosquito control should be employed through any season, where temperatures are consistently above 50°F.  Many people find out the hard way that stopping mosquito control with the unofficial end of summer (i.e. Labor Day) is too soon.  In warm autumns, you might still find yourself requiring extended professional mosquito control.  In a typical year, mosquito control is usually a good idea from April through the end of October.

No matter the time of year, if mosquito control is required, it is best to hire a reputable company for ultimate protection.  An EPA-registered mosquito barrier spray application will kill mosquitoes and their offspring at the time of application.  Time-released mosquito sprays will continue to eliminate them for a couple of weeks at a time.  Reputable mosquito control companies in Central Massachusetts will also offer all-natural mosquito repellent formulas, which can last up to two weeks at a time.  While all-natural formulas will not kill mosquitoes, they will keep them away from your yard