Where Do Mosquitoes Go in the Winter?

mosquito standing on snow

As the warm weather disappears and the fall season ushers in winter, you thank your lucky stars: Falling temperatures mean no more mosquitoes, and you will no longer be dinner for these blood-sucking creatures. But you are still curious, “Where do mosquitoes go in the winter?” Some species die off before the cold season, while others hibernate in warm areas outdoors or inside your home.

Check out one writer’s approach to winter mosquito preparation below.

Where Do Mosquitoes Go in The Winter?

close-up of a mosquito
Photo Credit: genphoto_art / Canva Pro / License

While it may seem like they have died, the truth is some species of female mosquitoes go into a state of diapause or dormancy in the winter, resting in logs, burrows, or homes. It’s a state of suspended development that protects their bodies from being affected by cold temperatures. The poor male mosquito never makes it to the fall season due to its short lifespan and its demise after mating.

Depending on the species, female mosquitoes and their eggs enter diapause in the fall season. During late summer, the adult female mosquito will find an ideal place to lay her eggs and then enter hibernation. (Although some species wait until spring to lay eggs.) During diapause, her metabolism slows down, and she becomes dormant until temperatures warm in spring.

Note: A mosquito’s life cycle is very much influenced by temperature; once the temps drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it cannot function. Although 50 degrees Fahrenheit is not cold for humans, it’s apparently too cold for mosquitoes.  

A Mosquito’s Life Cycle 

graphic showing a mosquito life cycle
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez 

Mosquitoes go through four distinct stages in their life cycle: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult.

Egg: 

The eggs typically hatch into larvae within 24 – 48 hours. Some species lay their eggs on damp soil that floods. In contrast, others lay their eggs directly on the water’s surface.

If eggs are laid in the fall (these have a natural antifreeze that prevents them from freezing completely), they will remain dormant, even if submerged under the ice, until warmer temperatures arrive. 

Larvae:

Depending on the species, most larvae live in water and come to the surface to breathe through siphon tubes. They shed their skins four times, becoming larger after each molt, and develop into pupae in as little as 5 days. (Winter-hardy larvae in diapause delay further development until spring arrives.) 

Not all species of larvae operate the same way. Here are a few examples:

  • Anopheles larvae have no siphon. They lie parallel to the water’s surface and use a breathing opening to obtain their oxygen supply.
  • Coquillettidia and Mansonia attach themselves to plants in order to breathe, using the plant’s oxygen supply to survive. The larvae feed on microorganisms and organic matter in the water.

Note: Interestingly, most larvae hang upside down from the water surface while they develop.

Pupa:

The pupal stage is when they undergo a kind of metamorphosis and transform into adulthood. Even though they are encased in a protective cocoon or chrysalis, pupae can still move and respond to their environment. 

When the pupal skin splits, they emerge as adult mosquitoes. Pupae will develop into adult flying mosquitoes in 2-3 days.

Note: Pupae are not equipped to survive freezing temperatures, so the other stages of the mosquito life cycle adjust their timing to avoid pupating during the winter months. 

Adult: 

Watch out now. The female mosquitoes are active, flying, and ready to feast on you! Females are “the biters,” not the males. 

Mosquito Control Prep

Mosquito control illustration
Photo Credit: Juan Rodriguez

Mosquitoes are notorious for their ability to breed in even the smallest amount of still water. In fact, just a bottle cap full of water is enough for a female mosquito to lay up to 300 eggs.

By the time winter rolls around, you’ve already missed your window for mosquito prevention. The female is already resting comfortably in her warm space, having laid her eggs. You need to begin prevention in spring.

As a homeowner, here are a few simple steps you can take to get rid of mosquitoes:

  • Dispose of metal cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, and trash cans. Empty any water-holding containers.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers to let any water drain out.
  • Clear gutters, leaves, and standing water. Wet leaves that hold rainwater could be a breeding ground. 
  • Turn over wheelbarrows and little kids’ plastic pools when you are not using them.
  • Keep an eye on the water in your birdbaths. Use larvicides or empty and refill the water weekly.
  • If you have an ornamental pond, use a fountain to keep the water moving and/or stock them with mosquitofish.
  • If you use tarps for any reason, make sure there are no depressions that can hold water.
  • Boats stored on a trailer in your yard could hold water.
  • Maintain a well-manicured yard. This means keeping your grass trimmed to 4 inches or less, pruning shrubs and trees, and removing low brush from areas where you spend time outdoors. 

Note: While it may be tempting to take matters into your own hands and try to control mosquitoes in wetland areas, it is important to remember that altering wetlands without proper approval violates the Wetlands Protection Act. 

To ensure that you are following the proper procedures, it is recommended that you contact your local wetlands office for information and guidance. 

FAQ

What Temperature Do Mosquitoes Die? 

Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to temperature and cannot function at all when it drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They become lethargic and less active when the temperature drops to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, colder temperatures can significantly impact their ability to survive and thrive.

Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes?

Apparently, mosquitoes are not the first choice on the menu. Mosquito predators are not picky eaters and often opt for larger prey.

Although some insects and animals consume mosquitoes at different stages of their life cycle, no species relies solely on mosquitoes for survival. 

What Diseases Do Mosquitoes Carry? 

Mosquito-borne diseases include West Nile virus, Zika, dengue, and Chikungunya. These diseases are particularly prevalent in U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

There are no active mosquitoes in winter, so you don’t have to worry about them biting and infecting you during the off-season (unless you live in a tropical climate). But they can carry mosquito-borne diseases when active in warmer weather, depending on your location, temperature, and mosquito species.

Tip: Using mosquito repellents to prevent mosquito bites is wise.

Are Mosquitoes Attracted To Lighter Colors? 

No, so gothic fashionistas, beware! Mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors, so wearing black or dark shades will make you yummy. So, consider wearing light-colored clothing to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.

Why Do Mosquitoes Prefer Biting Some People Over Others?

Mosquitoes are attracted to specific chemicals that are emitted by the human body. For example, when you exhale, you release carbon dioxide, which is a major attractant for mosquitoes.

Additionally, lactic acid, a component found in sweat, is another chemical that mosquitoes are drawn to. So, if you get bitten more often than those around you, it may be due to your body chemistry.

Do Mosquitoes Have Any Predators Currently? 

While bats and purple martins are often considered effective mosquito predators, research has shown that mosquitoes make up less than 1% of their diet. While they may consume some mosquitoes, they primarily feed on other insects such as moths, beetles, and flies. 


Firsthand Experience: Winter is Coming

harley grandone
Harley Grandone

As a Northeastern U.S. resident, I cherish the autumn season with its colorful leaves, chilly air, and shorter days. However, I am aware that winter is approaching, which means I will shovel snow, spread rock salt, and bundle up with heavy blankets due to the blustery winds and frigid temperatures. Nonetheless, I always assumed that the disappearance of mosquitoes during winter was due to the cold, harsh weather killing them. 

Recently, I discovered that my assumption is not entirely accurate. Certain mosquitoes seek out shelter in homes and hang out in warm, damp areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and even inside walls during the winter. 

It was fascinating to learn that some mosquitoes have adapted to survive in cold temperatures by entering a diapause state similar to hibernation. During diapause, mosquitoes slow down their metabolism and become dormant, allowing them to conserve energy and survive until warmer temperatures return. 

Therefore, even though it seems like mosquitoes die during the winter, some only disappear temporarily and may be enjoying the warmth of your home just as much as you are. I’ve realized that it’s crucial to seal any cracks or gaps and repair window screens with holes in my home’s exterior to prevent them from entering. By doing so, I can ensure that my home remains mosquito-free during the winter months.

Harley Grandone


Call In The Pros

If you find yourself constantly being bitten by mosquitoes every time you step outside, it’s time to take action. Don’t let yourself become a part of the local mosquito buffet. Pest Gnome connects you to your area’s best pest control experts to help you enjoy your summer bite-free.

Main Photo Credit: ErikKarits / Canva Pro / License

Harley Grandone

Harley Grandone, a writer and landscape designer, enjoys writing blogs. After 20+ years of being a landscape designer for major residential home builders like Toll Brothers, she’s delighted to combine her love of writing with her love of the industry. When not writing, she can be found in the backyard trying to devise new ways to control mosquitoes and prevent the sycamore tree's bark from clogging up the gutters.