Where do all our mosquitoes go for the off-season? In most cases, the answer is nowhere. As the weather cools here in south Florida, most residents will notice the reduction in mosquito infestation around their property.

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For the sake of keeping your home mosquito-free throughout the year, it’s important to dispel certain myths about the secret habits of the mosquito during winter.

In south Florida, most mosquito species are adapted to survive the cooler temperatures of our moderate winters. They’re not killed by cool weather, nor are most species in this area genetically programmed to die off naturally.

In addition, mosquitoes don’t migrate to another area during the winter like birds do. The bottom line: the mosquito of summer is still among us during winter, just less visible. Here’s how they do it.

Hibernation is the most common winter survival method. Mosquito species frequently cluster in sheltered areas during winter, including thick vegetation, piles of refuse and unoccupied areas of homes and other structures. Pest control professionals frequently field calls from homeowners surprised by the sight of mosquitoes inside their home during the winter.

Because a hibernating mosquito doesn’t eat much during winter months, it usually loads up on sugar-rich food during fall, such as rotting fallen fruit in residential yards.

Some types of mosquito lay insulated eggs at this time of year. These eggs lay dormant all winter long and hatch in spring as the weather warms.

In Broward and Palm Beach, Haggerty Pest Services has been your local source of pest control expertise and advice since 1975. Call us with any questions you may have about minimizing the presence of mosquitoes around your home in all seasons.