Where Did All the Mosquitoes Go?

As temperatures continue to drop, some people might assume that the frigid cold air has killed off the mosquito population. However, Mosquito and Forest Pest Management (MFPM) is here to dispel this false sense of security. Mosquitoes have their ways of surviving the winter, known as overwintering.

Overwintering is a part of the diapause practice, which allows some adult mosquito species to pause their lifecycle until favorable conditions return. Some adult species seek warm and dry places to wait out the winter, such as basements, sheds, attics, and other dry spaces. Some mosquitoes even hibernate in the environment around them by burrowing into tree holes, logs, and other natural areas for protection.

Moreover, most mosquitoes species prepare for spring by laying eggs and hatching larvae that can survive winter weather. Although this news may seem disheartening, there is good news. County residents and businesses can help reduce the number of mosquitoes emerging this spring by ensuring that mosquitoes have no place to take shelter and lay eggs.

One way to do this is by identifying and eliminating areas around a property susceptible to standing water. If a community member identifies an area where standing water rests, the water should be tipped, tossed or removed to avoid mosquito populations from growing. Standing water can accumulate in empty tires, buckets, bird baths, uneven ground and other natural or artificial containers.

Help MFPM this winter by ensuring mosquitoes have nowhere to hide or lay eggs. Also, learn about the dangers of mosquitoes in the county by visiting the MFPM website https://www.pwcva.gov/department/construction-operations/mosquitoes.