What Happens to Mosquitoes in the Winter
During winter, many insects hibernate, including mosquitoes. These insects have evolved to be able to survive the colder months. However, there are some species that die during the winter.
There are several different strategies that mosquitoes use to survive the winter. These include hibernation and dormancy. Some mosquitoes are even able to dehydrate in order to avoid freezing.
Female mosquitoes will enter dormancy when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They will seek shelter in warm, safe places such as homes or caves. They will then lay eggs to develop the next generation of adults.
When the weather starts to warm, the female mosquito will resume activity. She will look for blood to feed on and will lay her eggs. It is these eggs that will delay development for months.
During the fall and winter months, some mosquitoes may lay their eggs in containers or in standing water. When the temperature rises in the spring, the eggs will hatch. Some species will increase their population. These insects can also carry diseases such as Zika.
The adult life cycle of a mosquito is 6-8 weeks. After mating, the male dies. The female will live for another three to eight weeks. As a result, she will lay eggs every few days during her lifetime.
Females can hibernate for up to six months. They will then emerge in the spring to look for humans to bite. They will then feed on the nectar of flowers. They can even breed indoors.