Mosquitoes cannot function during the cold of winter.
Mosquitoes are hardy insects but cannot function in cold temperatures. Although most types of mosquitoes die during the winter, some enter hibernation to survive the cold. It is not uncommon to find some in homes during the winter. In warm environments, mosquitoes are active year-round.
Mosquitoes and Temperature
Mosquitoes function best at temperatures of 80 degrees and above, which is why they tend to the most active during midsummer. When the temperature drops to 60 degrees, mosquitoes become lethargic and less likely to bite. At temperatures below 50 degrees, mosquitoes become totally unable to function. At this point, they either enter hibernation or die.
Short Lifespan Mosquitoes
Most species of mosquitoes live only two to three weeks as adults. Some varieties can live a little longer if environmental conditions are favorable. However, these kinds of mosquitoes generally die with the onset of winter. To perpetuate their life cycle, they lay winter-hardy eggs that hatch during the spring.
Long Lifespan Mosquitoes
A few species of mosquitoes live for up to a year. This variety of mosquito is able to exist in arctic regions. During the winter months, they enter a state of extreme torpor, which is sometimes referred to as hibernation. The females mate in the fall, enter hibernation and awake to lay their eggs in the spring.
Winter Habitat
Mosquitoes with short lifespans lay their winter-hardy eggs in stagnant water that becomes frozen during the winter. As the ice melts and the temperature rises, the eggs hatch. Long lifespan mosquitoes take up residency in animal burrows, hollow logs and warm basements (or homes) before entering hibernation.
Tags: enter hibernation, cannot function, degrees mosquitoes, degrees mosquitoes become, during winter, Lifespan Mosquitoes