How Do Mosquitoes Go Away in the Fall?
WouterWhether you live in a warm climate or not, mosquitoes are a year-round annoyance. They can be a serious problem, especially when you’re enjoying the great outdoors. You can help keep your family free from mosquito bites with a little knowledge about the insects’ habits.
When temperatures fall below 50 degrees, mosquitoes enter hibernation. Some species die off completely, while others survive the cold. The temperature at which mosquitoes hibernate varies by species. Others lay winter-hardy eggs, which hatch when the temperatures rise.
Many species of mosquitoes spend the entire fall preparing for winter. Some species will overwinter in their egg stage, while others hibernate in burrows made by other animals. Some will stay in moist soil and icy water.
In the spring, female Culex pipiens stop taking blood meals and begin to lay eggs. The eggs are kept in a hollowed-out log until the weather gets warmer. Then, the eggs hatch and the female mosquitoes emerge to begin their breeding cycle.
Some mosquitoes overwinter in their egg stage, while other species are killed off naturally during harsh winters. When temperatures warm up, the larvae will resume their life cycle. The female Culex pipiens can survive the winter, but they will not lay a single egg in the fall.
Many people associate mosquitoes with sticky, hot summer days. However, there are mosquitoes that thrive in cooler temperatures. They will be more active during the day and less active at night.
