How Cold Will Kill Mosquitoes

During cold weather, mosquitoes are unable to regulate their internal temperature. This causes them to become lethargic and inactive. Some mosquitoes, however, are able to survive the cold.

Female mosquitoes can survive cold temperatures by hibernating. They may hibernate for up to six months. They will emerge during the summer months when temperatures warm up.

The female mosquito is capable of hibernating for longer periods of time than the male. They will lay eggs until the weather is warm enough to resume hatching. This is an important survival strategy during the colder months.

When temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, female mosquitoes go into a state called diapause. Diapause is a period of suspended development in which an animal’s body is shut down, and its ability to survive is severely reduced. Some female mosquitoes may stay in diapause for up to six months.

Mosquitoes lay eggs on moist surfaces, such as leaves or soil, or on frozen water. When temperatures rise to 50 degrees or more, these eggs hatch. Some eggs can survive for years before hatching.

Cold temperatures can also affect mosquitoes’ offspring. In some cases, cold weather will kill mosquitoes. Cold temperatures also slow chemical pathways in the mosquito’s body. These pathways make it harder for mosquitoes to reproduce. The mosquito’s offspring die off, or may be unable to survive.

During cold weather, some mosquitoes will die off, but some will hibernate. In some cases, they will lay eggs in the ground and remain dormant until warmer weather arrives.

Continue reading:

Can White Vinegar Kill Mosquitoes? How Do Mosquitoes Remember You? How to Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes Can Mosquitoes Pass Diseases? What Fabrics Can Mosquitoes Not Bite Through? How Long Do Mosquitoes Live Without Blood? How to Prevent Flystrike From Happening to Your Guinea Pigs Jaundice and Mosquitoes