Why Think About Mosquitos in Winter?

Just because you’re bundled Up and there’s a chill in the air, doesn’t mean mosquitos aren’t a concern.

It’s a common misconception that mosquitos do not survive the winter. The temperature may be dropping but mosquitos aren’t going completely away. Depending on the breed of mosquito, the way they live through the colder months varies.

Wait, then where do they go?

The mosquito known for transmitting Zika, the Yellow Fever Mosquito (Aedes aegypti), will lay eggs in very shallow water—as shallow as ½ and inch. The adults die when the temp drop below 50 degrees, but the eggs enter a suspended state until the temps rise again. More concerningly, these eggs can already be infected with Zika, allowing the disease to survive to the next year.

Culex Mosquitoes, commonly known for carrying Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus, will survive winters because the adult females enter hibernation. These adult mosquitos can carry diseases even while in a suspended state.

So then what do I do?

Here are critical tips to minimize the likelihood of mosquitos in winter surviving on your property:

Get Rid Of Standing Water – Mosquitos in winter only need a half-inch of stagnant water to lay their eggs, so prevention begins with removing any sources of standing water from your property. Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris. If the temperature rises above freezing, make sure any previously frozen containers are dumped out.

Control Your Yard – Mosquitos will lay eggs and hibernate in wet locations around your property. Keep grass neat and cut back any overgrown shrubs or tree limbs. Smooth out any divots or holes in your lawn so they don’t pool with water during rainfall.

Call the Professionals – We utilize repellents that contain at least 20% DEET that can minimize your exposure. Contact us to find out how you can start protecting yourself now for when mosquitos return.

Want to know more about giving yourself the best protection from mosquitos?

Download Our Comprehensive Info Sheet for Mosquito Control

The team at Graduate Pest Solutions is passionate about keeping your home pest-free. Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and service necessary to help keep your home pest-free!