How Can You Get Mosquitoes in Winter?
WouterDuring the cold winter months, mosquitoes are not as active as they were during the warm months. However, they do remain around for a while. They can be a nuisance and cause health problems. It’s important to take steps to prevent them from entering your home.
The most common places where they breed are water-holding containers. If you have a container that holds standing water, drain it and wipe down the walls. This will eliminate the prime breeding spots for mosquitoes. You can also use chemical solutions to get rid of the water.
Some female mosquitoes hibernate during the winter. This is called diapause. In diapause, mosquitoes lower their metabolisms and they store nutrients. This is a form of insect hibernation that can last up to eight months.
Some mosquitoes will hatch in the spring. They spend the larval and pupal stages in water. Some will find a muddy area at the bottom of a pool and lay their eggs there. When the temperature rises, they come out of their dormant state.
Some mosquitoes, such as Culex molestus, are known to live in very cold weather. These mosquitoes are thought to play a key role in the spread of the Japanese encephalitis virus in Australia.
Other species of mosquitoes are unable to survive freezing temperatures. They hibernate in safe and sheltered locations. These mosquitoes cannot be found in Antarctica.
Some female mosquitoes can survive the winter by laying their eggs in icy water. They can stay in standing water or moist soil for months before they hatch.
