What Happens to Mosquitoes in the Winter?

In our beloved Hartford area, the active season for mosquito breeding typically begins in late March or early April and persists through late September to early October. Mosquito season reaches its peak when the weather hits about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as mosquitoes’ internal functions are at their highest around that temperature...including their propensity to bite and feed. During the warm months, female mosquitoes will lay their eggs in any body of stagnant water they can find–even the smallest puddle has potential for becoming a breeding ground if it’s warm enough. Female mosquitoes can lay up to 100 eggs at a time.

Mosquito Hibernation Habits

Because mosquitoes are incapable of regulating their internal body temperature, adult mosquitoes will either die off once the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving their eggs to remain dormant until the onset of warmth, or they will go into a “hibernation” state called diapause. Diapausing mosquitoes are typically female, laying their eggs to hatch in spring before sheltering themselves for winter inside hollowed logs, storage sheds, basements, dark corners of homes, animal burrows, and more before emerging hungry as soon as the weather improves. Hibernating (or diapausing) mosquitoes remain paused in the life cycle in which they enter their winter slumber.

“Quiescence” is another survival process which non-hibernating mosquito species take part in during winter months. During such times, adult mosquito populations will die once they get too cold, but the eggs they leave behind remain in a dormant state, not progressing through the life cycle but sustaining aliveness until spring’s return.

All-Season Protection

The bad news out of all of this, is that while mosquitoes will disappear for a while, you can bet that as soon as temperatures rise above 50 degrees they will return with a hungry vengeance. Those random warm days during the dead of winter that we all regard as such a reprieve from the drab, dark cold are the most likely to bring about mosquito sneak attacks. Additionally, when mosquitoes awaken to the warmth above 50 degrees, they often start to migrate into our very homes to sustain their warm body temperatures long-term. Once inside, mosquitoes can survive for up to three whole weeks–longer than the average maximum of 12 days they can survive outdoors. If you are unlucky enough to have a male/female pair of mosquitoes enter your home or a female ready to lay her eggs, you could be facing a midwinter itchfest.

Outdoor Mosquito Control

At Mosquito Squad, our professionals are strong believers that effective mosquito control begins outside the home. We offer traditional and natural barrier spray options that reduce up to 80-90% of mosquitoes in your yard and surrounding areas for up to 21 days.  However, we know that pest control does not always end here–so here are a few helpful tips to keep your indoor space unfriendly to mosquitoes.

Indoor Mosquito Control

When a mosquito or two inevitably sneak into your house, the goal becomes not only a reduction of existing mosquitoes, but also prevention of reproduction.

Look closely throughout your home for any places where there may be water standing–this includes plant pot saucers, your dog’s water dish, under sinks, or spaces below showers in bathrooms and kitchens where a previously undetected water leak may have created a puddle. Drain and thoroughly clean these areas immediately before a female mosquito can get to them and lay 100+ eggs. DIY mosquito traps are another great way to combat mosquitoes that have made their way indoors during winter.

Be sure to check all door sealants and window screens, as mosquitoes can slip through extremely small cracks during winter, desperate to enter your warm home. Replace or mend tears in screens and seal any gaps beneath or around doors and windows. A good way to tell where these gaps are is to look for where outdoor light is shining through. Replace weather strips below and around doors as a pest control and energy-saving method.

Trust the Team at Mosquito Squad of Hartford

Overall, mosquitoes are just like any other insect in the winter. If they can’t stand the cold temperatures, they will either die off, find a place to hide, or make their way into your warm and cozy home. Mosquito Squad professionals are here to help educate our customers on ways to keep their indoor space free and clear of these obnoxious pests no matter the season. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you.