Cold temperatures do not necessarily kill mosquitoes. These insects are smart enough to seek refuge and survive the winter. How mosquitoes survive depends on their species. On average, male mosquitoes have 10 days to live before they die after they mate. Such mosquitoes don’t make it after fall. But some female mosquitoes stay inactive during colder months in animal burrows or hollow logs. As with other pests in Buffalo Grove, mosquitoes look for warmer temperatures and could end up indoors.
Overwintering Eggs
Asian Tiger and yellow fever mosquitoes spend the colder months in the egg estate. When temperatures start to drop below 50 degrees F, adult female mosquitoes will lay their last batch of eggs in items that can hold at least half an inch of water. Eventually, adult mosquitoes die while they deposit eggs into diapause, suspending their development. As temperatures begin to rise and rainfall returns in spring, these eggs hatch and begin a new generation of Aedes mosquitoes.
Such survival techniques of mosquitoes can have severe implications once the eggs hatch. According to studies, infected female mosquitoes could pass the Zika virus onto their offspring.
Possible Risks with Mosquitoes
As mosquitoes transfer saliva to a human, this carries the possibility of a pathogen transmission. This allows the pests to carry different viruses from infected animals and humans to other people, causing harmful or even deadly bites.
Mosquito-borne diseases kill a lot of people every year. In fact, governments have ongoing efforts to handle mosquito populations and eliminate some diseases like malaria. Mosquitoes are known to spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, chikungunya, Lacrosse Encephalitis, and Dengue fever.
Steps You Can Take
When it gets colder outside, it’s important to practice mosquito-safe habits. Inspect your property. To prevent mosquitoes from reproducing, eliminate water-holding items on your property before winter. Such items can include flowerpots, tire swings, birdbaths, and grill covers. Pout out all the water inside these containers to prevent the mosquito eggs from hatching. Try to adjust these items, so they do not collect water.
In addition, you should unclog gutters to ensure rainwater does not pool there and repair faucet or pipe leaks on the outer part of your house. If you have tire swings and wheelbarrows, consider drilling holes in them so that water will drain. Also, seal the trash cans tightly and flip their lids upside down. You can also apply insect repellent that contains a minimum of 20 percent DEET, oil of lemon-eucalyptus, or picaridin when you spend time outdoors.
Mosquito Elimination
Eliminating mosquitoes indoors is way easier than doing so outdoors. Traditionally, a large-scale infestation requires professional pest control services. You can use foggers, natural predators, or a pest control expert. Preventing mosquitoes is an ongoing process.
Whether you use mosquito treatments or control the habitat offered by your yard, you must take steps throughout breeding seasons. Also, mosquitoes tend to return year after year, which means that you must take yearly measures to permanently remove them.
How long it will take to eliminate these pests depends on the size of the population, the area that must be treated, and the availability of ideal habitats. But it is important to start the measures early to minimize the number of mosquitoes.