It seems the days leading up to the holidays are full of lively chatter, lights, and warm drinks by the fireplace. But, after the excitement passes, we’re left with only cold, biding our time until the days grow longer, and spring brings new life.

Although winter gets a bad rap, there is one thing in particular that we really don’t have to worry, or even think about, in winter: mosquitoes. It’s a common misconception that mosquitoes just simply die when the weather turns frigid. But what really happens to mosquitoes in winter?

While many types of bugs do die off during colder months, mosquitoes are actually able to survive the winter. The process that allows them to survive colder temps differs by species.

Some mosquito species are able to survive winter in the egg stage. As temperatures turn colder, adult females deposit their final batch of eggs in items that can hold as little as a half-inch of water. While the adults eventually die, the eggs enter a state of diapause. This process suspends their development during the colder months.

As rainfall picks back up and temperatures rise again in spring, the dormant eggs are re-submerged in this rainfall. From there, they are able to hatch and start the next generation of mosquitoes, beginning this process again.

Other species of mosquitoes are able to survive winter by seeking shelter. After mosquitoes mate in the fall, the male dies, and the female finds shelter. These adult females spend winter hiding in piles of dead leaves, under loose tree bark, or in cracks in buildings.

When temperatures turn frigid, a biochemical process replaces some of the water in the mosquito’s body with a substance called glycerol. Glycerol, which acts like an antifreeze, does two things.

First, glycerol reduces ice formation within the mosquito’s cells so that water hardens but does not form ice crystals that can damage cells. With the help of glycerol, the mosquito’s tissues are able to freeze and thaw without any real damage.

Secondly, glycerol promotes supercooling. Supercooling lowers the temperatures at which a fluid freezes within the mosquito’s body. This means that the insects are able to survive temperatures below freezing. So, unless we face an unusually harsh winter, many mosquitoes will make it to spring.

Thanks to this biochemical process, the adult female mosquitoes that have survived winter return to their normal state as temperatures rise. They come out of hiding and look for a place to lay the eggs that have been fertilized since the previous fall. If the female is able to find a tasty meal of blood from a warm-blooded mammal (say, from you or me), she is able to survive for longer, lay more eggs, and begin yet another generation of mosquitoes.

Although mosquitoes aren’t at the top of our minds now, just wait a few months – they will be. Luckily, you can take action now to reduce your chances of a yard full of mosquitoes come spring and summer.

Inspect your property for items that may be holding water and dormant mosquito eggs. These items may include empty flower pots, bird baths, tire swings, wheel barrows, grill covers, and any other items that may allow water to collect. You may choose to empty these items, cover them, or place them upside-down so they will no longer allow water to collect. Unclog gutters and drains to allow water to flow freely. Drilling holes in other items where water may be collecting, such as tire swings or wheel barrows, may be a good step as well.

For now, you can enjoy your mosquito-free weather. However, if you find yourself in a mess of mosquitoes this spring, just give us a call!

The post What Happens to Mosquitoes in Winter? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.