What happens to pests during winter?

Bears go into hibernation when it gets cold. Birds migrate south, and humans layer up by the fire to keep warm in the winter months. What happens to termites, ants, and mosquitoes? While many people believe they die, the truth is that termites and other insects have strategies to survive the winter. Find out how pests can survive harsh weather conditions.

ANTS

It’s not often that you see an army of ants marching over the kitchen counter in winter. They are still very close to us, however. Even in our backyards, overwintering in the great outdoors is a familiar feat for ants. They eat a lot of food in the fall to become fat enough to live for several weeks without eating. Their body temperature and productivity decrease as the winter chill approach. They seal up their colonies and hide under rocks or in deep soil until spring. When the temperature rises, the ants will be ready to take over their overwintering areas and shop at the next backyard barbecue.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a species that has been around for millions and evolved into one of the most adaptable animals in the world. Are they capable of surviving the cold? Most cockroaches can survive year-round if they have access to warm and moist environments. For example, the German cockroach prefers to live in an indoor environment with moisture and food sources. This species is comfortable in bathrooms and kitchens, particularly during winter. The American Cockroach will, however, live outside in warmer climates. Once the temperature drops, this cockroach breed will migrate to larger buildings, such as homes, supermarkets, and food processing plants.

Termites

The climate and species of termites that live in winter will significantly impact what happens to them. To stay warm in colder climates, subterranean termites dig deeper into the soil to keep warm. Other species, such as dry wood termites, will look for shelter in dry wood. The last freeze occurs in springtime when temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, the young male and female termites swarm emerge from the nests to search for a mate. Termites can live year-round in warmer climates and heated homes where temperatures are controlled.

You now know that many household pests can survive winter, so it is essential to take steps to pest-proof your home.

Mosquitoes

When you spend time outside during summer, it is almost inevitable to encounter mosquitoes and their itchy bites. You might be surprised to learn that mosquitoes do not disappear when Old Man Winter arrives. Contrary to popular belief, these biting insects hibernate in protected areas like hollow logs rather than overwintering. When the weather improves, mosquitoes awaken to seek food and develop eggs.

Bed Bugs

Temperatures as low as 122° Fahrenheit can be used to kill bed bugs, and they can die after just a few days of exposure to temperatures below 32°F. Unfortunately, winter is a time when bed bugs thrive in warm homes.

What happens to pests during winter?