Why Do Mosquitoes Increase in Winter?
WouterDuring winter, mosquitoes are less active than in the summer. This is because they hibernate and are unable to regulate their body temperatures. They take warmth from their surroundings. They also switch from feeding on blood to feeding on sugary foods.
They lay eggs during the winter in standing water. They hatch in the spring when the water warms. These eggs are then buried in mud. They can survive for up to eight months without food or water.
Some mosquito species die off during the winter. Others will remain active until spring. The Anopheles mosquito, for example, is a common problem in agricultural areas. It is very aggressive during its feeding cycle after coming out of hibernation. It may try to get inside your home during the night.
When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, female mosquitoes enter a dormant state. They enter this state by laying eggs in standing water. They are fertilized before entering the dormancy. They then hibernate until they die.
When temperatures rise in the spring, they enter a state of development called diapause. They pause development during cold weather and store nutrients. When temperatures warm up again, they resume development. They can stay in diapause for up to six months. They are then ready to lay eggs again.
Some mosquito species hibernate in warm areas. Others are more active during warmer weather. Other species may lay eggs in the ground when the temperatures drop. Some may even survive the winter.
