The presence of mosquitoes in any residential area is cause for concern. These tiny insects appear to bite human flesh, but the really just pierce the skin and leave a trace amount of saliva that becomes infected. Sometimes, the body’s immune system reacts to the saliva without any infection present, and this is why the bites may or may not appear red around the itchy area. Our service professionals can handle any mosquito infestation with expert precision. However, many of our customers also ask us frequently about the mosquito problem during the cold winter months.
Winter Mosquito Hibernation
Mosquitoes are known for their ability to infest a large area during the hot months of summer. They swarm in large numbers, lay eggs and create a nuisance for anyone in the area. However, they seem to disappear after the temperatures drop below a certain threshold. This exact temperature may vary from one region of the country to another, but it is generally around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Mosquitoes are known to be cold-blooded insects, and they will not draw their blood meals once the temperature drops below this threshold. Mosquitoes are sensitive to the immediate environment all year long, and these conditions will always determine their behavior.
Mosquitoes are surprisingly resilient insects, and they are capable of withstanding extremely cold temperatures. However, there is one important difference to understand about the hibernation patterns of mosquitoes. Namely, the male mosquito only lives for the span of time it takes him to mate. After this period of time, the male mosquitoes will die off, and the female will attempt to survive the long winter with her eggs. She will seek some place that provides some warmth and comfort. This could include tree logs, hidden crevices in abandoned areas and similar hiding places. Female mosquitoes have done this for over 2 million years, which means that they survived the ice age in this manner.
Other Hibernation Patterns
Mosquitoes may vary their hibernation behavior depending on the specific conditions in the region. In general, they are attracted to areas where there are large, stagnant bodies of water. They will also need humid conditions to swarm in large numbers, and the females may seek out these areas for hibernation during the winter months. Once the female selects a hibernation area, she will lay the eggs and wait for the spring months before they begin to hatch. The process of laying eggs is also a very involved event for the female mosquito, so she must choose the area where she plans to lay them very carefully.
The female mosquito will spend the winter trying to protect the eggs, larva and pupa from being destroyed by the elements or consumed by other predators. Each female can lay approximately 300 eggs at a single sitting. During the stages of development, the eggs will respond within a few weeks to the change in temperature, but this depends on the species of mosquito. The female mosquito will also have to store enough fat in her body in order to survive the coldest months and have energy left during the spring. MosquitoNix South Florida can take care of your mosquito control needs. Contact us today.
