Do Mosquitoes Really Die Off in Winter? The Truth About Mosquitoes in Greater Atlanta

Mosquitoes are hardier than most people realize. If you are lucky, you will notice, during the colder months, fewer and fewer mosquitoes harassing you, but where do they go in the colder months? Why does it take so long for mosquitoes to return when the weather gets warm? Mosquitoes have developed several impressive strategies to make it through the winter and get back at us in the spring by the millions. 

Mosquito Squad of Greater Atlanta is here to help answer any questions you might have about mosquitoes, mosquito control, and mosquito prevention for your home. So here it is: what you NEED to know about mosquitoes during the winter, how they overwinter, and how to protect your property year-round.

Do Mosquitoes Die in the Winter?

Unlike what many people believe and perhaps hope, mosquitoes don’t really die in the winter, at least not all of them. Instead, most mosquito species either enter into a period of dormancy or their eggs overwinter in a type of suspended animation called diapause. Female mosquitoes may deposit eggs in the late fall that enter a period of diapause, a kind of hibernation, over the winter and begin to hatch again when conditions warm in the spring. When temperatures reach above 50° F (usually in early spring), mosquito activity commences anew as eggs hatch and adult mosquitoes emerge.

Some species of mosquitoes undergo a process called quiescence, in which the adults die, but the eggs they lay are dormant until spring. 

Mosquitoes have existed for tens of millions of years and have evolved ways to respond to extreme weather. The Aedes aegypti, a well-known species of mosquito in Atlanta, lays eggs capable of withstanding cold spells, while adult specimens take shelter in crawlspaces or sheds.

Do Mosquitoes Overwinter in Greater Atlanta?

So, do mosquitoes overwinter here in Greater Atlanta? Our winters are mild compared to many other regions, but it’s easy enough to diminish any activity and slow metabolism. Mosquito populations from some species survive over the winter – if and when conditions are suitable. In Greater Atlanta, diapause sets in. For some mosquito species like Aedes and Culex, development itself is suspended, and their eggs are dormant until the arrival of spring.

The combination of warm, humid weather in Greater Atlanta and mild winters enables mosquitoes to survive and breed nearly all year, perhaps explaining why you may see mosquitoes earlier on in the spring compared with colder areas further north.

Why You Need Mosquito Control Year-Round 

While the dark days of winter might lull you into believing that there are far fewer mosquitoes biting outside, it’s prudent to be proactive with mosquito control to reduce the risk of an early infestation when the weather warms up. Adult mosquitoes die off in winter, but before they do, they lay their eggs in the water.

We offer special event sprays to help ensure that your guests are safe from pests for weddings, backyard barbecues, and more, as well as year-round mosquito and pest service to keep your property mosquito- and eggs and larvae from becoming adults.

Common Questions About Mosquitoes in Greater Atlanta

What month do mosquitoes go away in Georgia? 

Typically, mosquitoes are inactive below 50°F, usually in late October or early November. However, winter’s mosquito reprieve won’t last, and the insects will be back in the springtime once the temperature rises above that threshold.

Does Atlanta have a mosquito problem? 

Yes, Atlanta's climate is warm and humid most of the year, meaning it is brimmed with mosquitoes from March through October. Standing water is the perfect habitat for mosquitoes, so reducing breeding sites and letting less water pool is an absolute must.

What months are mosquitoes gone? 

In Atlanta, mosquitoes typically spend the winter months (November to February) dormant, but their eggs and larvae can survive the winter and hatch when the weather warms up again.

How to Protect Your Property from Mosquitoes

Stopping mosquito breeding at its source is best accomplished with proactive mosquito control, and Mosquito Squad’s 7 T’s of Mosquito Control is the easiest way to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Here’s how you can use the 7 T’s to protect your property all year long:

1. Tip: Tip over or remove flower pots, bird baths, containers, toys, or anything holding standing water. Mosquitoes require as little as a half-inch of water for breeding, so even tiny containers should be drained or water changed daily.
2. Toss: Throw away old tires, buckets, containers, or old tarps around which water can collect. These can become ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, so toss them out!
3. Turn: Turn over as much as you can, including canoes, tarps, and playsets, that can collect water to prevent pooling.
4. Remove Tarps: Make sure tarps that cover boats or piles of firewood are tightly drawn, or remove any tarp that isn’t being used. Water that pools in the folds of loosely draped tarps.
5. Take Care: Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and clear so that water will flow freely. Some areas of the gutter, especially internal bends, can hold stagnant water.
6. Team Up: Work together with neighbors to reduce mosquito populations. The more properties that are maintained, the lower the mosquito population will be for everyone in the area.
7. Treat: Treat your property with reliable mosquito control treatments to help reduce mosquito populations around your home.

While it is impossible to keep mosquitoes completely out, you can drastically reduce their populations around your property. For professional help, trust Mosquito Squad of Greater Atlanta to provide comprehensive treatments, including commercial mosquito control services. Our team of experts can assess your property and develop a personalized plan that includes both traditional and natural treatments.

Contact Mosquito Squad of Greater Atlanta for Year-Round Mosquito Control

Don’t wait until mosquitoes are buzzing around your yard to take action. Stay ahead of the game with the help of Mosquito Squad of Greater Atlanta. Our mosquito control services are designed to keep your property comfortable throughout the year, ensuring you can enjoy your outdoor spaces without worrying about bites.

Contact us today by calling (770) 504-4494 or using our online contact form to learn more about how we can protect your home from mosquitoes all year long.