Whenever the weather turns chilly, many pests seem to vanish, only to reappear in full force when spring returns. The question is, what actually happens to bugs during the winter? Do they die off due to cold temperatures, or do insects hibernate like some other creatures?
Find out below!
WHAT HAPPENS TO BUGS DURING COLD WEATHER? DO INSECTS HIBERNATE?
Most insects have a certain level of "cold tolerance." Rather than dying off during the winter, many bugs simply become inactive or dormant, only to emerge once temperatures rise. To survive in this dormant state, pests need to find a warm place to spend the winter, like deep underground or inside a human home.
Other insects, such as cockroaches and ladybugs, employ various survival strategies like diapause, migration, or hibernation to endure the winter.
Ticks
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) reports that cold temperatures kill only about 20 percent of the tick population each winter. Their activity throughout the season can rise and fall due to warm spells.
A temperature range of -2°F and 14°F kills ticks in a controlled lab setting. However, out in the "real world," many ticks can find shelter in soil and under leaf piles, which can keep them alive in freezing conditions. Sucking blood from a host will also keep a tick active in cold weather.
Fleas
Fleas tend to thrive the most in environments that are about 75°F. While freezing temperatures outdoors can kill off many fleas, those that have made it inside your home can continue to breed year-round. You'll typically find them overwintering in places like carpeting, bedding, and pet beds.
Flea eggs have a remarkable cold tolerance. Even at 51.8°F, the fleas can continue developing in their cocoons.
Stink Bugs
For many homeowners, brown marmorated stink bugs are a bigger problem during winter than any other time of year. This is because stink bugs need a warm, safe place to hang out until spring. When temperatures drop, these insects enter a state similar to hibernation called "diapause." In this state, the insect pauses its growth and development until its environment becomes more favorable.
Outdoors, stink bugs will overwinter in locations like dead trees, leaf piles, stacks of firewood, mulch, or leaf litter. Indoors, stink bugs will hide in generally undisturbed areas of a home, like the basement, attic, or even behind baseboards and molding. During warm spells, it's not unusual for large numbers of stink bugs to emerge all at once.
Mosquitoes
What do mosquitoes and bears have in common? They hibernate! However, unlike bears, mosquitoes are cold-blooded, which means that they can't maintain their body temperature if the surrounding temperature drops. At around 60°F, they'll become lethargic, and they'll cease functioning at 50°F.
To survive the winter, some mosquitoes will hibernate in hollow logs, animal dens, or even garages and basements. Others survive winter as embryos inside eggs that mosquitoes lay during late summer or early fall. When spring arrives, they'll be ready to emerge and continue their life cycle.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches have an almost legendary ability to survive harsh conditions. However, surviving and thriving are two different situations. Like mosquitoes, cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments. However, once the temperature falls below 45°F, roaches can no longer reproduce or develop.
That being said, cockroaches are extremely hardy, and if their bodies are given time to adapt to cold temperatures, they can survive. These insects are much more likely to die from sudden temperature changes, such as a cold snap. They'll seek shelter from extreme weather in dying trees, woodpiles, and—of course—human homes.
THE IMPACT OF COLD WEATHER ON BUG POPULATIONS
Cold weather has a profound impact on bug populations, influencing their behavior and survival strategies. As temperatures drop, many insects migrate to warmer areas or enter a state of hibernation to endure the winter months. For instance, monarch butterflies embark on an incredible journey to warmer regions, while stink bugs and boxelder bugs seek refuge in leaf litter, tree bark, or other sheltered spots.
When the cold weather sets in, insects' metabolism slows down significantly, making them less active. Insects that are not freeze-tolerant often end up dying as temperatures drop below freezing. However, some insect species, like certain beetles and flies, have developed remarkable adaptations. These freeze-tolerant insects produce antifreeze-like substances that prevent their bodies from freezing, allowing them to survive even the harshest cold temperatures.
As temperatures warm up in the spring, these insects reemerge, becoming more active and starting to reproduce. This resurgence can lead to an increase in winter pests, such as rodents and other small animals, which are drawn to the warmth and food sources provided by the insects. Understanding these dynamics helps us appreciate the resilience of insect species and their crucial role in our ecosystem.
DO I NEED PEST CONTROL FOR WINTER PESTS?
Insects have evolved a variety of strategies to survive the winter months, including migration, hibernation, and cold hardening. While cold weather can significantly impact bug populations, many insects are remarkably adept at surviving and even thriving in cold temperatures.
By understanding how insects survive winter, we can better appreciate their importance in our ecosystem. Insects play vital roles in pollination, decomposition, and food chains, making their survival essential for environmental health. As we prepare for the winter months, it's crucial to take proactive steps to prevent winter pests from invading our homes and buildings. Sealing cracks and crevices, removing food sources, and employing pest control measures can help prevent infestations and keep our homes and communities safe and healthy.
The most effective pest control needs a proactive approach—not just a reactive one. That's why pest-free homes typically get pest control services each season. Not only do the treatments help eliminate existing problems, but they also prevent pest problems that could crop up.
Even if you're not seeing pests during winter, they're there, waiting for warm weather to stretch their legs and spread their wings. At Greenix Pest Control, our technicians take care during winter to look for any hidden bugs, nests, and egg sacks so that we can help our customers avoid those typical springtime infestations.
You deserve a pest-free home. For help treating a pest issue on your property, don't hesitate to contact the Greenix Pest Control team today: (888) 800-7181.
