Do Mosquitoes Die From Cold Weather?
WouterDepending on the species, mosquitoes can survive cold weather. Some species, like those from New Zealand and Iceland, can overwinter. Others, such as those from Antarctica, can only survive cold winters.
When temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, mosquitoes become inactive. Some females will hibernate while others lay eggs. While most mosquitoes don’t bite humans in cold weather, some still may. These mosquitoes can spread diseases. These include encephalitis, which causes an inflammation of the brain. Some mosquitoes also carry viruses.
During the spring, summer and fall, mosquitoes are most active. They lay their eggs on the ground. Some lay in hollow logs and animal burrows. They can also survive dry conditions. They can live for up to eight months without water. They also do not die from cold weather.
Some female mosquitoes hibernate before the first freeze. Some will enter the human home for shelter. They will wait for warmer weather before they begin to lay their eggs. Some females will lay their eggs in standing water. These eggs can survive years before hatching.
When temperatures rise above 50 degrees, some mosquitoes lay their eggs in moist surfaces. These eggs can sit dormant until the spring. Some eggs can even survive a year in the dormant state. The Rutgers University Center for Vector Biology studied mosquito eggs. They found that some were able to survive for up to 10 years.
In addition to hibernation, some mosquitoes undergo a form of insect hibernation called diapause. This process lowers the body’s metabolism and suspends development. This occurs more often in pupae than adult mosquitoes.
