How Do Mosquitoes Go Dormant?
During the cold months of the year, you may wonder how mosquitoes go dormant. Mosquitoes, especially female mosquitoes, spend their winter months in hibernation. They will become dormant when the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This cold temperature will slow down the metabolism of the mosquito, which will help them to prepare for dormancy.
When the weather begins to warm up, female mosquitoes will come out of hibernation and begin to feed on plant nectar and blood from mammals. During this time, they will store fat in order to prepare for dormancy.
The female mosquito will lay up to 300 eggs during her lifetime. These eggs will lie dormant until the spring temperatures rise, at which time they will hatch into adults. During the cold months, the female mosquito will seek shelter in a cave, small container, or culvert. They may also enter your home.
When the weather begins to warm up, the female mosquito will search for a human or mammal to feed on. They will then begin laying eggs. These eggs will lie dormant for a couple of weeks before hatching in the spring.
The female mosquito can live up to six months in ideal conditions. She will lay up to 300 eggs at a time and will spend her time in diapause, which means she will not be actively feeding on her blood meal.
When the weather starts to warm up again, the female mosquito will begin to look for shelter. She will go into a diapause when she enters a safe place. She will lay up to 300 eggs at the same time and will delay her development until spring.