Tag Archives: mosquito

Have you ever wondered what happens to mosquitoes in the winter? Well, despite the rumors, they don’t all vacation in Florida during the coldest months of the year. Since these tiny creatures are cold-blooded and most active when temperatures are around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they become lethargic when temps drop to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. At 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below, mosquitoes cannot function. So, if they’re not heading south, do mosquitoes die in the winter? Some do, but not all, which raises questions like how do mosquitoes survive the winter and where do mosquitoes go during winter? The answers depend on the complexity of the mosquito life cycle and how it adapts to winter weather.

So, why is any of this important? Well, understanding what happens to mosquitoes in winter can actually help protect you and your family from itchy mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit all year long. Sure, we have a thing for bugs, but scientists, professional pest control experts, and residents can all benefit from understanding our pesky, bloodsucking foe, the mosquito. If we’ve piqued your interest, read on to learn what happens to mosquitoes in the wintertime.

Understanding the Mosquito Life Cycle

A mosquito’s life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Every stage of the mosquito’s life is integral to providing an ongoing population of mosquitoes. Mosquito control efforts seek to break this life cycle while scientists try to exploit it to defeat these disease-carrying pests. Although the mosquito life cycle always progresses through all four stages, each stage varies greatly in length, depending upon the ambient temperatures of its surroundings.

How Temperature Affects the Life Cycle of Mosquitoes

Because mosquitoes are most active in warm weather (they like it hot), their life cycle completes most quickly in the spring and summer months. Many species move from egg to biting adult in just 14 days at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature increase of 10 degrees (to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) shortens this cycle to just 10 days. It is not just the speed of the life cycle that is affected by temperature, but also the quality and success. Higher temperatures within the mosquito’s comfort range produce more eggs that hatch into larger larvae that grow into bigger adults (yikes!). But wait! There’s more. Most discouraging, studies find that mosquitoes born and raised in warmer temperatures are also more resistant to certain insecticides. Not great news for those of us who enjoy spending summer days outdoors.

However, when the temperatures drop, many mosquito species enter a state of extreme torpor, like hibernation. This is why many people ask, “do mosquitoes die in the winter?” Although it may seem like they have disappeared forever, rumors of their death are greatly exaggerated. What happens to mosquitoes in the winter is not the end for many buzzing biters, but rather, I’ll catch up with you at the summer BBQ.

In reality, they are indulging in their version of hibernation. This mosquito “dormancy” is called diapause. Diapause enables mosquitoes and the diseases they carry to survive the winter (how did we get so lucky). Some mosquito species enter diapause as adults. The adult females mate in the fall; then, they look for animal burrows or hollow logs to survive the cold winter in a diapause state. Other species lay winter-hardy eggs that can survive freezing temperatures to hatch in the spring (more on this below).

Mosquito Eggs in Winter

As mentioned, certain mosquito species, like those in the genus Aedes, lay winter-hardy eggs that can survive sub-freezing temperatures. These winter-proof mosquito eggs do not die in winter because they have a natural antifreeze that keeps them from freezing completely. They are typically submerged under the ice, where they remain dormant for months until warmer spring weather returns. When the weather warms, it triggers the hatching, and these hungry larvae emerge ready to create havoc for man and beast.

Mosquito Larvae in Winter

Winter-hardy mosquito eggs are one-way mosquitoes remain in diapause until the weather warms. But some mosquito varieties also produce winter-hardy larvae that can slow their metabolism and remain dormant for winter. Active mosquito larvae typically feed on bacteria, microorganisms, and detritus in the water they inhabit. But those in diapause fast until they awaken in spring, which means they are going to emerge hungry and ready to feed.

Mosquito Pupae in Winter

At every stage of their life cycle, mosquitoes are highly sensitive to temperature. Adult females alter the time of their egg-laying based on warming and cooling temps. Winter-hardy eggs and larvae do not develop further while in diapause. Now for some good news. Mosquito pupae cannot survive freezing temperatures, so the other stages adjust their timing to avoid pupating during winter.

Mosquito Adults in Winter

Okay, it’s true. Some (not all) mosquitoes do spend their winter in places like Florida and Arizona. For those adults evolved to survive winter in colder climates, they enter diapause and shut down their metabolism to wait out the cold. Adult females can survive for months in this state, snug in warm animal burrows or protected in hollow logs or similar shelters. This is how mosquitoes survive winter if they don’t head south or west to avoid the cold.

Once the warmer weather of spring arrives, the cold-hardy eggs hatch and dormant adults wake up to feed and breed. This is about all they do during this period. It’s all about survival and making up for lost time at this point. This is why it’s so important to take a proactive approach to mosquito control around your property before the warm weather arrives.

How To Control Mosquitoes in Winter

Although mosquitoes aren’t active in winter, mosquito control can be valuable in the colder months. Eliminating dormant eggs and larvae or killing fertilized adult females in diapause can give you a jump on controlling the biting population in spring and summer. You can see to it that your mosquitoes do not survive the winter. This is the time to begin yard care routines that will interrupt the mosquito life cycle.

Knowing where mosquitoes are likely to spend the winter months hibernating will make it easier to reduce their numbers come spring. Dormant adult female mosquitoes hide in piled leaves, animal burrows, garbage, yard debris, fallen logs, stacked firewood, and tree trunks. So, keep your yard cleaned up and freer of debris to deny them shelter or destroy the slumbering biters. Also, clear all locations on your property that collect and hold standing water. An adult female mosquito can lay 100-200 eggs in just a bottle cap of water! Empty catch trays and wheelbarrows, clear the gutters and eliminate all places where melting snow and ice collect. Continue this throughout the winter to dispose of hibernating eggs and larvae. Spring through summer, keeping these places dry prevents adults from laying their eggs there.

Mosquito Joe Controls Mosquitoes in Winter and Year Round

At Mosquito Joe, our goal is to help you enjoy your outdoor spaces without biting pests. For us, it’s not just about providing pest control services but also arming you with the knowledge that empowers you to protect yourself and your family. Prevention is a critical piece of effective pest management, so you can count on us to keep you informed about what happens to mosquitoes in winter and similar topics.

When you need us, our team of experienced pros is ready to provide the expert services that thousands of homeowners and businesses rely on. We have Mosquito Joe locations across the country. Each is staffed by experts who are knowledgeable about how to effectively deal with the specific critters in their area. Our Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe® Satisfaction Guarantee back all our work and ensure your satisfaction. So, request a quote at the top of this page or give us a call. Let’s make the outdoors fun again!

How Many Mosquitoes Are in the World?

It’s impossible to accurately tabulate the number of mosquitoes in the world. The adult lives of mosquitoes are brief, rarely lasting more than 15 days. And female mosquitoes lay a clutch of 100-200 eggs every three days, laying as many as three sets of eggs before dying. With such a rapid reproduction cycle, the number of mosquitoes in our world is changing every second.
However, across the globe there are 3,500 different species of mosquito. These species are subdivided into 112 genus-species with the main distinction being preferred breeding habitat

How Many Species of Mosquitoes Are There in the World?

There are approximately 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide with around 175 residing in the United States. Most of the mosquitoes found within the United States fall into three genera: Aedes, Anopheles, or Culex genus.

Aedes
These mosquitoes can be identified by their narrow black bodies and legs with alternating bands of light and dark. They were originally found in the tropics but have spread throughout the world and are now found on all continents except Antarctica. Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of dengue fever.

Anopheles
Mosquitoes in this genus are the main transmitters of malaria throughout the world, though the species that live in the United States do not transmit malaria. 460 different species of mosquitoes have been identified within this genus, but not all of them are able to transmit disease.

Culex
Culex are often thought of as the common house mosquito, but are responsible for transmitting a number of diseases including West Nile Virus and encephalitis. In the United States, this mosquito can be found throughout the Southeast states.

While the total number of mosquitoes there are in the world is impossible to quantify, we do have an idea of the number of types and species. With 3,500 species worldwide, that’s certainly a lot of mosquitoes.

How Many Mosquitoes Are in Your Backyard?

To give you an idea of how hard it would be to determine a world population of mosquitoes, have you ever tried to count the mosquitoes flitting around your backyard? We’re willing to bet you haven’t. We’re also willing to bet that the thought of doing so is daunting. To get close enough to count them would surely requite sacrificing yourself to an uncomfortable excess of bites.

If it starts to feel like every mosquito is targeting your backyard, give your local Mosquito Joe a call or request a free quote and make the first step toward a mosquito-free yard!

The whine of a mosquito in your ear is enough to drive you crazy and make you wish these pests had more natural predators. But what animals eat mosquitoes?

Even though they do not significantly reduce mosquito populations, there are several species of birds, bugs, and other creatures that include mosquitoes in their diet.

Let Mosquito Joe provide a helpful guide on what eats mosquitoes …

What Birds Eat Mosquitoes?  

Mosquitoes have several airborne adversaries including certain birds and their nocturnal winged relatives, bats. Here are a few winged species that feast on these minute menaces:

Purple Martins

Denizens of river and marsh areas, these songbirds can consume hundreds of mosquitoes in a single day.

Barn Swallow

Descending from above in swooping dives, these avian acrobats can snatch up to 60 mosquitoes per hour.

Waterfowl

Ducks and geese residing in marsh and wetlands commonly make easy meals of aquatic mosquito larvae.

Bats

While not of the avian persuasion, these nocturnal mammals are also insectivores that will not turn down a mosquito morsel.

What Animals Eat Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes also face threats from frogs, turtles, and even fish:

Frogs

While not an integral part of the adult frog diet, the premature tadpole occasionally consumes mosquito larvae.

Turtles

Another aquatic predator, turtles such as the red-eared slider will make an easy meal of mosquito larvae.

Fish

Freshwater species such as bass, bluegill, and the aptly named mosquitofish are not hesitant to gulp down vulnerable mosquito larvae.

What Insects Eat Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes also experience predation from other insects. Below are a few that consume mosquitoes:

Dragonflies

Though called “mosquito hawks,” adult dragonflies do eat mosquitoes, but most predation occurs when they are in their aquatic phase: dragonfly nymphs will feed on mosquito larvae.

Damselflies

Similar to the dragonfly, the damselfly also feasts on mosquito larvae while in the aquatic nymph stage of their life cycle.

Predacious Mosquitoes

Some mosquitoes will prey on their own kind, most specifically the mosquitoes belonging to genus Toxorhynchites, which are also known as elephant mosquitoes. This occurs in the larvae stage where these predatory mosquitoes will consume other mosquito larvae.

Spiders

Although technically not insects, arachnids will consume mosquitoes that become trapped in their webs.

The answer to the question, “What eats mosquitoes” includes adversaries from birds to bats, frogs to turtles, and even predatory types of their own species, yet the overall impact of natural predators on mosquito populations is negligible.

To take a real stand against the aggravating mosquito and dampen their presence in your yard, seek out the assistance of a mosquito control professional. Contact Mosquito Joe online or call today at 1-855-275-2563 today to reclaim your backyard and make outside fun again!

At Mosquito Joe, we pride ourselves on being able to make outside fun again. For us, that means ridding properties of outdoor pests so families and furry friends aren’t itching and scratching. Our barrier treatments allow families and friends to gather in their backyard to enjoy a cookout without being the main course. They also give parents peace of mind knowing their children can play without getting bitten by mosquitoes, ticks or fleas. Whether our customers are mosquito magnets or under attack by ticks, Mosquito Joe technicians provide customized treatments in order to transform their backyards into a bite-free oasis.

Don’t believe us? Let these customers speak for themselves! 

Playtime is Back

• “I absolutely love Mosquito Joe! We have used them for the past five years, we haven’t had one bite that’s pretty amazing. My kids play outside all day long, I don’t have to worry. I would recommend them to anyone that loves a bite-free lawn. Thanks guys!”
• “My daughter loves playing outside and around our Koi pond, but she would get eaten up by mosquitoes after being out there for 2 minutes. Thanks to Mosquito Joe, we can go out and play and relax, even around our pond, without getting attacked by mosquitoes! Thank you Mosquito Joe!”
• “I am VERY pleased with the services! We played basketball for over an hour without one single bite! Before MoJo, we would have not lasted 10 minutes without at least a dozen bites. We have been outside daily now and cannot extend my gratitude enough. My kids are extremely excited to see him pull up for treatment! Tell the technicians not to be surprised if my children ask “Joe” for his autograph.”

Bye-bye Mosquito Bites

• “I’m very pleased with this service. I have never been bitten by a mosquito in my yard the entire time I have used Mosquito Joe! That is amazing for this mosquito magnet.”
• “I have always been a target for mosquitoes. I like to be outside and work in the yard. I had to use insect repellent every time I went out. After I called Mosquito Joe, it has been such a relief. I get to sit and enjoy all my hard work. You won’t regret giving them a call.”
• “It was great to be able to enjoy our deck this past summer. Anytime I get a mosquito bite, my bite swells up to a quarter size and itches for days. Thanks!”
• “I love that I can be outside, on my property, without worries from biting insects. I have autoimmune problems and bites turn into infections that potentially send me to the hospital. But now, I am able to sit outside and read or work on the flowers and shrubbery with no worries. It is great to be able to do these things again. I am so appreciative.”
• “This service really works! I’ve been a mosquito magnet for years. I’ve been working in the garden and not one bite since they started spraying. It is so nice to be able to eat outside again. Best money spent. Thank you!”

Pet Parents Love MoJo! 

• “I will always use these services. The staff was always friendly and flexible. They always accommodated my schedule and were mindful that I had a pet. Also, we could really tell a difference in the reduction of mosquitoes. It made our summer so much better!”
• “We loved being able to enjoy our pool area without bites. I especially loved the extra care that was taken in covering up my dog’s bowls when I forgot to. That shows the care and attention given to clients and we really appreciate it! We will see you again in spring!”
• “Service is great and your product does everything as promised! Techs are so trustworthy and responsible, my dog loves when you visit!”

Outside is Fun Again for these Outdoor Enthusiasts

• “This is money well spent! We live in the woods and with Mosquito Joe taking care of my property, we had no mosquitoes this season and could enjoy the yard and pool all season long. The staff is extremely friendly and professional and always go the extra mile to ensure I was happy and my yard was taken care of. Could not be happier!”
• “When we moved into our house right by the Bay we could not be outside in the evening. Once our yard started being treated by Mosquito Joe we have enjoyed the outside, not to mention beautiful views of the bay at sunset!”
• “I cannot say enough about Mosquito Joe and how they make my yard habitable! I can garden, enjoy campfires, landscaping and lounging in the great outdoors only because of Mosquito Joe. Also, the technicians are so polite, respectful and personable. They always have a smile. Thanks, Mosquito Joe!”

To Grandma’s MoJo Protected House We Go! 

• “Love having my yard sprayed. For the last 3 years we have had our yard sprayed. Before spraying I could only spend 10-15 minutes outside before getting bit by mosquitoes. Now we spend hours in our yard with the grandkids or just sitting on our back porch enjoying the evening.”
• “So nice to be able to enjoy being outside with my grandson and not get bitten by mosquitoes. Thank you Mosquito Joe!”
• “The Mosquito Joe crew bent over backwards to make sure my yard was ready for our 10 grandkids to spend the week with us. The owner himself came out to make sure everything was right. I call that SERVICE!”

Planning the Perfect Event? Mosquito Joe Makes it Itch-free!

• “I used Mosquito Joe for our backyard wedding….it worked perfectly! We are surrounded by woods and our backyard area is usually infested with mosquitoes at night. We had mosquito spray out for people, just in case, but nobody needed it! I would definitely use again!”
• “Great service. I use their service at my house. I also had them spray for a special event at another venue. People were amazed that we had zero mosquitoes as compared to previous years.”
• “We contacted Mosquito Joe just 2 days before a big family event because the mosquitoes were fierce. They came the very next morning and saved the evening for us. I appreciate the extra effort provided by this small, local operation, the friendliness, and effectiveness. Highly recommended.”

If you want to be itch-free like these satisfied customers, it’s time to add some MoJo to your backyard! For more information or to request a free quote, give us a call today at 855-ASK-A-JOE. With no contracts and the MoJo Satisfaction Guarantee, our work isn’t done until you’re happy. Visit us online to find your local outdoor pest control expert. With Mosquito Joe, outside is fun again! 

With the April showers behind us and May flowers starting to bloom, warm weather is finally here! With warmer weather brings more outdoor activities, as well as the possibility of a tick bite. May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month and Mosquito Joe is joining the fight to protect families and furry friends from this tick-borne illness.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease was first detected in 1976 in Lyme, Connecticut and most commonly occurs in the Northeast, upper Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions. It is estimated that about 300,000 people are diagnosed each year.  Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted.

Signs and Symptoms

Early symptoms of Lyme disease usually begin from 3 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected tick. The most common early stage symptom is a rash where the tick was attached. This rash starts as a small red area that spreads outward to look like a bullseye. One may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, sore and aching muscles and joints, stiff neck, fatigue and swollen glands.

If you experience any of the following symptoms and have had a tick bite, it is important to seek medical attention. Untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection. Some of these symptoms may include fever, facial paralysis and arthritis.

Treatment

If you develop any of the above symptoms within several weeks of removing a tick, it’s important that you see your healthcare provider. When Lyme disease is diagnosed in the early stages, people usually recover rapidly and completely. In order to be treated, you will be given antibiotics by your healthcare provider, which most commonly are doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil.

However, you can get Lyme disease again if you are bitten by another infected tick, so it is important to protect yourself from tick bites.

Preventing Tick Bites

Although it’s not possible to completely protect yourself from getting a tick bite, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances. Tick activity is higher during the warmer months, but ticks can be out anytime the temperature is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. With the help from Mosquito Joe, you can get ahead of any tick problems you might have this season, while also implementing the following habits:

• Keep grass short and underbrush thinned at your home.
• Move wood piles away from the home.
• Wear light-colored clothes to help you spot ticks easily.
• Check your body for ticks and shower within two hours of being outdoors.
• Move swing sets, sandboxes and other play areas to avoid tick bites.
• Keep pets out of thickly wooded areas where tick activity is high and talk to your veterinarian about tick control options.
• Let Mosquito Joe be your second line of deference for these intruders by getting a barrier spray that rids your yards for mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.

When you come in from the outdoors, always do a thorough check on yourself, your family and your pets. When doing a tick check, remember that ticks liked places that are warm, so make sure you check the back of your armpits, scalp, back of the neck and behind the ears.

But what if I do get a tick bite?

If you do find a tick on you or your family, there’s no need to panic! The key is to remove the tick as soon as possible. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but fine-tipped tweezers also work great. Follow the below steps on removing a tick:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this does happen, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to do so, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

Don’t be ticked off this summer

Let Mosquito Joe be another line of defense against tick-borne illnesses by applying a barrier treatment to your property. A trained and certified technician will treat your yard with an effective solution that eliminates mosquitoes, ticks and fleas for 21 days. As an alternative to our longer-lasting synthetic treatment, our all-natural solution repels mosquitoes immediately. This less-adhesive yet effective option requires treatment on a 14-day cycle.

If you’re still not sure if Mosquito Joe is right for you, give your local MoJo a call or request a free quote online. We are dedicated to making outside fun again for you and your family and our job is not done until you are happy!