The winters here in Hingham, Cohassett, Canton and the surrounding areas can be quite frigid. In just the last 7-10 days we have experienced more than a foot of snow as a stark reminder that winter is still upon us. As we envision warmer days ahead, and the impending arrival of spring close at hand, don’t let the presence of snow and ice fool you into thinking the chilly temperatures we are experiencing now will impede the annual emergence of the mosquito.
It is a common misconception that freezing temperatures will decrease the mosquito population in spring. Actually, nothing could be farther from the truth. While it is correct that male mosquitoes perish, female mosquitoes are by far the masters at hibernation. Mosquitoes in hibernation can survive temperatures down to about 25 below zero. Much like bears, female mosquitoes have found a way to survive the cold winter and guarantee continuation of the species. During the winter, females of some mosquito species find holes where they wait for warmer weather, others lay their eggs in freezing water and perish. Additionally, certain species fall into a state of dormancy referred to as diapause.
Diapause allows her to essentially shut down development, hunker down and fatten up until warmer weather arrives. Research conducted on the Culex pipiens, one of the most common backyard mosquitoes in the US, by Ohio State University in Columbus reveals that females that go into diapause have 10 times the fat accumulation than a non-diapausing mosquito has.
Being cold-blooded creatures, mosquitoes prefer temperatures around 80 degrees and become inactive below 50 degrees. You may not give a second thought to mosquitoes until you experience the first itchy bite of the season, but be aware they are laying in wait for Mother Nature to begin her annual evolution into spring.
So as you bundle up and try to stay warm remember that the mosquito eggs laid last fall will soon be floating atop standing puddles of water ready to hatch. Also keep in mind the mosquitoes that hatch from these eggs, and those that emerge from their winter’s nap won’t be sluggish to strike. These mosquitoes will be hungry and in search of a meal, much like the hungry bear after the long winter.
Any mosquito control program or tick control program you choose needs to be implemented on a season-long basis in order to provide effective, lasting protection throughout the mosquito and tick season. Now is the best time to proactively plan for the season ahead in order to keep you family protected before that initial bite occurs.
Mosquito control is our specialty at Mosquito Squad of Boston Metro South. Whether you need proactive protection throughout the season or a one-time treatment, we have a solution that’s perfect for you. Our tested and proven mosquito control barrier will eliminate up to 90% of mosquito populations in your yard and keep them from returning for up to 21 days.
To find out how Mosquito Squad of Boston Metro South can keep you and your family happy and healthy from mosquitoes the entire season, call us today at (781) 471-5793, or send us a contact form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!