What Happens to Mosquitoes When the Weather Gets Cold?

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying of warm-weather pests. So, have you ever wondered what happens to mosquitoes when the weather gets cold?

Can Mosquitoes Survive in Winter?

When it comes to mosquitoes, “surviving the winter” does not mean what you think. They don’t function like mammals, and how they survive the winter depends upon the type of mosquito they are.

Mosquitoes, like other insects, are cold blooded. So they function best in warm weather – especially temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At 60 degrees, they become lethargic and do not really function below 50 degrees.

Does the Cold Kill Mosquitoes?

So, can cold temperatures kill mosquitoes? Yes, they can. Then how exactly do mosquitoes survive the winter? That depends upon the species.

The most common survival method for mosquitoes is hibernating as embryos. Female mosquitoes lay winter-hardy eggs at the end of the season, often submerged in water so they are protected under ice as temperatures drop. When temperatures rise in the spring, the eggs hatch and produce a new generation of mosquitoes.

A second group of mosquito species – which includes the genera Anopheles, Culex and Culiseta – mate in autumn and then the females hibernate in hollow logs, animal burrows, basements, and other protected areas. When you see mosquitoes during warm periods in January or February it’s because this kind of mosquito has had its torpor disturbed. When warm weather truly arrives, the females feed on blood and lay eggs.

A third category of mosquitoes spend the winter in their larval stage, usually buried in mud. This type is rarely seen on Long Island because it generally involves freshwater swamps. When they emerge, they feed on blood to continue their development to adult stage.

How Long Can Mosquitoes Live Indoors?

Once they get indoors, mosquitoes can survive up to three weeks… which is longer than they generally live outdoors. Worse, if a pair ends up inside or a female lays eggs inside your home then you could wind up with a series of mosquito generations inside your home.

Can Mosquitoes Nest in your House in Winter?

Yes, they can. If mosquito eggs are left in your house, they’ll survive the winter. Similarly, if an impregnated female mosquito ends up in your home during the winter, it could hibernate in a cool location and then lay eggs when it’s warm.

Arrow Exterminates Mosquitoes

Avoid the aggravation and dangers of mosquitoes by calling Arrow Exterminating. The experts at Arrow will help you identify if you have a problem, explain our plan to eradicate your infestation, and give you the peace of mind you need. To get started, contact Arrow Exterminating today.