We know that mosquitoes do not die in the winter, but do we know by what means they survive?

In fact, we do!  Tiny as they are, mosquitoes are hearty.  Their entire life cycle is a testament to their ingenuity and willingness to survive and thrive.  Akin to a cold-blooded animal, mosquitoes are unable to regulate their body temperatures.  Their ideal climate is a humid 80°F.  And while they love heat and humidity, it is possible to be too hot for a mosquito to remain active.  In extremely hot and dry climates, they will seek shelter so they do not dehydrate.  Conversely, when temperatures hit below 60°F, mosquitoes will become lethargic and less active.  What exactly do they they do in cold weather?

Mosquitoes heartily survive winter.

Mosquitoes Survive Winter in a Few Ways

Adult female mosquitoes will mate late in the summer and enter a cycle of dormancy to overwinter.  They will find a cozy spot to take their winter hiatus, such as animal burrows, hollowed logs, or even beneath or inside hidden parts of your home.  When you encounter a mosquito on an unseasonably warm winter’s day, you are seeing one of these mosquitoes.

Some mosquito eggs can survive winter too.  Eggs that are laid in late summertime can survive in frozen water – not in the ice, but beneath it.  Once again proving the heartiness of the mosquito.  When the ice melts and springtime arrives, these eggs will hatch like winter never happened at all!

Mosquito larvae can also survive winter.  Larvae and pupae require water to survive at all.  In warm weather, the larvae will feed and molt, eventually emerging into an adult.  However, in winter, mosquito larvae do the same thing adult mosquitoes do – they go into a state of dormancy, referred to as diapause.  Unlike animal hibernation, diapause literally pauses the organism’s development.  After the cold weather passes, the larvae will pick up their molting processes and move into adulthood.

Prepare for spring with Ashland mosquito control.

Mosquitoes, their eggs, and their larvae will all emerge with springtime’s renewal.  It is so important to prepare for the onslaught by scheduling your professional Ashland mosquito control sooner than later.  Reputable mosquito control professionals not only treat your entire yard with effective barrier protection spray, but they also identify problem areas, where breeding can occur.  This means tipping over yard items with standing water, checking your irrigation system for possible leaks to prevent standing water, and even installing agitators in water features, such as bird baths and ponds.

Dave Macchia, Central Mass Mosquito Control Expert