Mosquitoes seem to appear everywhere during the spring and summer months. They will swarm in droves to give you itchy and annoying bites whenever you step out for a day in the sun.
With over 40 species located in the region, Washington residents know all about these annoying pests!
While they’re frequent summer pests, do mosquitoes die in the winter or stick around during chilly weather?
Keep reading to know when you should expect a decrease in the mosquito population in the Greater Puget Sound and the country!
Like many other insects, mosquitoes thrive in the warm spring and summer temperatures. Most mosquitoes tend to come out during the late evening hours, but others will start to attack when the sun rises high in the noon sky!
Depending on your location, mosquitoes may appear earlier in the year and stick around for longer. States with warmer, humid, or tropical climates tend to stay relatively warm throughout the year, only having chilly weather during the winter.
Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida are a few states that could have lingering insect issues well into October or November. Mosquitoes can even crop up around February for some of these states!
Throughout the country, mosquitoes typically start appearing during April and taper off during September or the beginning of October. Mosquito populations reach their peaks during June, July, and August when the summer weather is its hottest.
Regions may experience lessened or increased mosquito activity depending on seasonal weather. Rainy springs yield more mosquitoes over dry seasons, while longer winters could push these pests back a few months.
Watch this video to learn more!
In Washington, residents typically see these pests in full force during June, but some species may be active as soon as April. Because of mild temperatures throughout the spring and summer, mosquitoes won’t have much movement until the weather heats up in the Greater Puget Sound.
So, the big question is: Do mosquitoes die in the winter?
Female and male mosquitoes don’t live long during their active seasons in the summer. On average, a male mosquito only lives around a week, while females can last up to two or three months.
When the temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees, mosquitoes have a tough time surviving. Because they thrive best in warmer climates and temperatures, chilly weather makes it difficult for them to move or fly.
Plus, it’s harder to search for their next meal whenever everyone bundles up indoors!
Some mosquito species may hibernate whenever the winter weather hits, finding holes in the ground or fallen trees to call home until the weather warms. These pests enter stasis and remain unmoving throughout the season.
But what about other types of mosquitoes? Do mosquitoes die in the winter, or will they all return once the frost melts? Most won’t have this same fate. Many mosquitoes die during the fall, leaving behind their eggs to hatch in the spring.
Unfortunately, a frigid winter won’t stop mosquito eggs from hatching whenever the weather heats up! Mosquito eggs can remain intact in undesirable conditions, only hatching when the weather is warm and wet.
Most mosquitoes you see during mosquito seasons are the previous year's brood or newly matured mosquitoes. Once hatched, these tiny pests will wreak havoc in backyards in Washington state and across the country!
The only way to keep these pests at bay once the weather heats up is mosquito control from a trusted pest control agency!
Even though mosquitoes are prominent during the summer months, there are things you can do throughout the year to keep mosquitoes from invading your home and yard!
Eliminate Open Water
Most mosquitoes prefer to deposit their eggs in freshwater with ample bacteria. If the eggs aren’t laid in the right conditions, they won’t hatch or survive.
As the mosquitoes develop into larvae, they dine on the nearby bacteria in the water to sustain them as they grow. Unlike adults, larvae mosquitos can’t feast on pollen or blood until fully mature.
Whether eliminated by old age or a quick cold snap, mosquito mothers don’t stick around to care for their young. While other insects like wasps and bees take great care of growing larvae, mosquitoes must fend for themselves until they develop into their adult forms.
During the summer, remove all open water sources like buckets and containers. If stagnant water collects on your property, mosquitoes may lay eggs within or around the damp areas.
Remember, water can collect in unlikely spaces, too! Toys, old tires, gutters, and sunken areas in the ground can create spaces where water accumulates. Mosquitoes may also stick around uncleaned swimming pools and lake beds.
Cut Your Grass
Mosquitoes aren’t flying around for the entire day! During the hot mornings and afternoons, mosquitoes seek shade from tall grass to escape the temperatures.
Keeping your yard trimmed will prevent pests from taking up residence in your yard whenever the sun is high and might keep them away from your yard during active hours in the evening and night.
Plus, cutting your grass can help prevent other pests like fleas and ticks!
Keep Water Clean
You shouldn’t have to throw out your birdbath because of mosquitoes! Mosquitoes make landscaping and lawn decorations difficult. Because water can collect in many unseen areas, mosquitoes could lay eggs in hidden décor.
If you have a birdbath, pool, or lake, try to maintain their water. Dirty and stagnant water only encourages mosquito populations, so never let your birds go a day without clean water!
Your average mosquito won’t linger close to a pool filled with chlorine and other cleaning agents, but they may stick around or lay eggs in untouched water throughout the winter. Either keep your pool clean year-round or drain it when left unused for several months.
Trust Zunex to Lend a Hand!
Here at Zunex, we know how annoying mosquitoes can be! With unpredictable weather, these pests could overstay their welcome here in Washington.
While some mosquitoes do die in the winter, others can stick around until spring! Give us a call for a free quote on our mosquito services and treatment!
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