After schools start back up and temperatures start to cool down, we almost forget about blood-seeking mosquitoes. Despite the reprieve from itchy welts and buzzing in our ears, mosquitoes still lurk in the background. You may wonder, where do mosquitoes go in the winter? Or how do mosquitoes survive winter?
How Do Mosquitoes Survive Winter?
While most of us have mosquitoes divided into two groups (the big ones and the little ones), there are in reality 51 different species flying around just the state of Massachusetts for example. Each species has its own set of unique survival traits, but for our purposes, their are two key factors that help mosquitoes survive winter.
- As adults - Some mosquitoes survive in a dormant state called diapause which is the insect equivalent of hibernation. There are some exceptions to the diapause process that we will get into shortly.
- As eggs - Mosquito eggs are hardy natural contraptions that can survive our crazy winter conditions. Mosquitoes place their eggs where they will sit and wait for the conditions to be ideal for the mosquito to survive. Some floodwater mosquito eggs can survive over a year!
Where do Mosquitoes Go in the Winter?
Depending on the species, adult mosquitoes may seek out sheltered areas like hollow logs, animal burrows, basements, or sheds where temperatures stay above freezing. Others die off as the cold arrives, leaving behind hardy eggs tucked away in damp soil, tree holes, or frozen water that will thaw come spring. These hidden spots provide just enough protection for mosquitoes to survive until warmer weather returns, allowing them to emerge and restart their life cycle once the temperatures rise again.
Temperature Queues for Mosquitoes
Just as we have different temperature thresholds for when we are sunbathing, throwing on a jacket or layering up with coats, mosquitoes have a few temperature thresholds to be aware of.
- 80 degrees - this is the temperature where mosquitoes start to really thrive. Some mosquitoes start to thrive at lower temperatures, but this is the mark that is the best generalization.
- 60 degrees - When the thermometer drops below 60, mosquitoes can still get around and do a few things, but they are pretty lethargic. Most of their energy is gong to shift toward helping their DNA survive to the next year.
- 50 degrees - the 50 degree marker is the signal for most mosquitoes to go into a dormant state.
Don't Forget About the Snow Mosquito!
Aedes Communis is one of the main reasons for all of the above exception wording. It is not the only species, but the one most commonly referenced for being the winter or snow mosquito. If Santa Claus has to worry about mosquito bites, it is because of these blood sucking pests. They lay their eggs in the snow melt and can stay active all winter long around our homes and businesses from Minnesota to Massachusetts.
Mosquitoes Bounce Back in the Spring
Even though mosquito activity drops dramatically in the winter, they're never truly gone. Their eggs and dormant adults are just waiting for the right conditions to return, meaning those first warm spring days can bring an instant resurgence. That's why our mosquito treatment is designed for year-round pest prevention. By addressing standing water, maintaining outdoor treatments, and partnering with a professional pest control service, you can stay ahead of next season's mosquito boom before it even begins.
