Do Bugs Die Off in Winter?

There’s a chill in the air that can only mean one thing–winter is coming! While a Gallup poll finds that winter may be the least favored season by most Americans, some homeowners find peace of mind knowing that their pest troubles may be over for the time being.

But are they really?

Where do insects go in the winter?

Contrary to popular belief, winter may actually increase your need for pest control services. Not all bugs succumb to the cold weather.

Insects that Freeze (Literally)

Some species of insects enter something called ‘diapause,’ a form of hibernation that allows the insect to quite literally freeze where it is and slow down its metabolism and development in order to survive the winter.

Once spring arrives and the warmer temperatures signal an end of the cold months, these pests will thaw out and resume life as if nothing had happened.

Bugs That Fly South

Some insects and bugs may actually hightail it out of regions that get really cold. The migration of the Monarch butterfly is a great example of this. In fact, according to the U.S. Forest Service, Monarchs are the only known butterflies to make a two-way migration. As soon as the butterflies feel a hint of cold, their instincts kick in to take them to warmer weather–sometimes traveling thousands of miles to do so!

Insects That Pass On

Many species of insects and bugs don’t have any form of survival for cold temperatures. Many species of mosquitoes know they won’t make it through the winter. Instead of preparing for a long journey or entering hibernation, they focus on the next generation. Female mosquitoes may lay their eggs in ponds late in the summer–these eggs are hardy enough to survive as embryos in a state of hibernation and will hatch in the spring to bite once more.

Save Your Home From Overwintering Pests

Many pests will overwinter in your home to avoid freezing temperatures. Rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are some of the pests you may find in your home as they seek warmth and shelter from freezing temperatures.

Contact the pest control experts at Hopper Termite & Pest to take your home back from uninvited guests this holiday season! Our team is available to answer questions and offer advice online or by phone at (870)425-4122.