Where Do Mosquitoes Go in the Winter?

In the United States, July through October coincides with peak mosquito activity. The risk from mosquito-borne illness is considered to continue until an area has had a hard frost.

Massachusetts Department of Health released the current West Nile Virus and EEE risk level across the state. Even in a down year, residents should be aware of the presence of mosquitoes in the early fall.

 

Late Fall Behavior

There are three common winter behaviors of mosquito species active in the U.S.:

• One species has female hibernators that will hide in hollow logs, holes in trees, animal burrows, and even the basements of homes. In spring when the temperatures increase, they emerge from hibernation, blood feed, and lay eggs.
• Another species of mosquito lay winter hardy eggs which lie dormant until spring. The mosquito will choose a spot where the soil is moist so that once conditions become favorable, her eggs will hatch.
• Finally, there are mosquitoes that remain in the larval stage through the winter, often buried in the mud of freshwater swamps. When temperatures rise in spring, these mosquitoes begin feeding and eventually emerge as adults.

 

Our Recommendations

An easy way to combat mosquito larvae that survive winter is to eliminate standing water. Puddles, buckets, containers, downspouts, gutters, and toys can provide a home for mosquito larvae through the winter.

Fall property treatments of PROGAEA™ during the fall will kill hibernating adults, larvae, and any eggs on the property. This will reduce the active population that will emerge next year.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and Happy Outdooring!