Most people have to deal with an inevitable pest when the weather gets warm. The mosquito is a flying insect that gets its nutrition from feasting on the blood of other animals, including people. They make life miserable enough that you may wonder what temperature is too cold for mosquitoes and when they will be gone.
Understanding the habits of these creatures can help you avoid attracting them and give you insight into how long they’ll be around.
Mosquitoes
As much as you might hate the mosquito, it is a vital part of the ecosystem. It is a critical food source for many species, helping to balance the food chain. Some will even help pollinate your garden.
Mosquitoes are one of the most abundant animals on the planet, with over 3,000 species worldwide. Here are some of the most common types in North America:
- The Aedes Mosquito
- The Anopheles Mosquito
- The Culex Mosquito
Ideal Mosquito Conditions
The good news about mosquitoes is that they are relatively fragile and thrive best in warm conditions. If you are curious to know what temperature is too cold for mosquitoes, you likely hope to see the last of them come winter.
Mosquitoes need the temperature to stay above 50°F to remain functional. Between 70° and 80°F is a preferable environment. Unfortunately, it does mean that if you live in a warm zone, you might have to deal with these past year-round.
Mosquitoes in Winter
If you do live in a zone that gets cold throughout the winter months, it may seem confusing when mosquitoes return each year. Where do they go, and how do they find their way back every year?
Although it can be tempting to hope that these insects die off, that can’t possibly be the case. Wherever the weather gets warm, you can be sure mosquitoes will return each season. They achieve this by going into a sort of hibernation.
Once the temperature starts getting cold, female mosquitoes will burrow or bury themselves before going dormant. Almost any surface will do as long as the insect can bury itself inside. Trees, plants, and even the ground are all spaces where mosquitoes will hide.
Preventing Mosquitoes
In the meantime, you’ll want to protect yourself from attracting these pests. Some species may carry diseases like the Zika virus, yellow fever, and malaria. Fortunately, most of these illnesses are well-controlled in the United States.
Besides diseases, however, getting mosquito bites is an unpleasant experience. If you are looking for ways to keep mosquitoes out of your home and off your skin, you can take a few easy steps.
Repellent
Both natural and commercial mosquito repellent options can help make your skin less desirable to insects. Certain scents like eucalyptus, citrus, and lavender are all popular choices.
Insect Screens
There’s nothing better than throwing your windows open in the spring and summer months to catch a cool evening breeze. Unfortunately, this is a perfect way to let all manner of creatures inside, including mosquitoes. To help keep them at bay, invest in sturdy screens and repair any holes.
Keep It Dry
Mosquitoes are attracted to water, especially if it is standing water. They will lay their eggs in it and return to it as long as it is there. Make sure you have all standing water dried up and any leaky pipes or faucets fixed. If you have a pond in your yard, introducing dragonflies can help to reduce mosquito populations.
Final Thoughts
Discovering what temperature is too cold for mosquitoes can bring you peace of mind when dealing with these creatures. You can rest assured that they likely won’t last forever, but if they do, there are ways to deal with them.