Why Are Mosquitoes Active in the Winter?

The last pest you may think you’ll encounter in the middle of winter here in Baton Rouge is the mosquito. However, these pests can stick around well into the winter months, especially in our region. In general, mosquitoes will disappear when the temperature dips below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. With temperatures still in the 70s in December, chances are you might have an encounter with a mosquito or two while putting up your holiday lights or picking out a tree at your local lot. At Dugas Pest Control, we know how frustrating mosquitoes can be in our region year-round. Read on to learn more about winter mosquito activity, and whether you should be worried about bites this time of year.

What Do Mosquitoes Do in the Winter?

In spring and summertime, mosquitoes are just a given when you spend time outdoors. This is due to the fact that mosquitoes prefer temperatures in the 80s or more. Needless to say, it can be rather startling to come across these pests in the wintertime. Most male mosquitoes will die off when, as mentioned previously, temperatures begin to dip. Even when it begins to get colder, however, female mosquitoes can go into a state similar to hibernation called diapause. 

The reason why we are still seeing and dealing with mosquitoes this time of year is that we are experiencing warm weather well into the winter months. Hardier mosquitoes are able to remain active and even potentially bite you.

How to Prevent Mosquitoes Year-Round

Even if we still are seeing some remaining mosquitoes, they are mostly inactive this time of year. This makes it the best time to start preparing for next year’s mosquito season. Some of the best mosquito prevention tactics you can do yourself in the next couple of months include the following.

1. Prevent overwintering mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes may look to wait out the winter in your backyard if she lays their eggs nearby. Make sure to inspect your yard and get rid of debris, old tires, or tree trunks that could harbor these insects. 
2. Get rid of standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, even before wintertime. Remove, overturn, or cover any tires, buckets, birdbaths, flowerpots, and other things that contain standing water. 
3. Cut back grass and vegetation. Keep your grass mowed and take proper care of your yard to avoid mosquitoes harboring in dense brush.
4. Try out natural mosquito repellents. While not always effective, planting rosemary, mint, and lavender in your garden could make for a natural mosquito repellent.
5. Contact your local mosquito exterminators. Your best chance of not dealing with mosquitoes year-round is by teaming up with an expert. Professional-grade repellents can help keep mosquitoes away for good!

Mosquito Treatments in Baton Rouge

Whether you want to prevent mosquitoes in the summer or get rid of lingering mosquitoes this winter, the experts at Dugas Pest Control can help! Our mosquito control team will work with you to implement the best mosquito treatments, no matter what time of year. Contact us today to get started!