02/04/2026
Good info on how mosquitoes survive the winter months.
As you requested on my survey a while back, many asked for some science stories. Well, here you go. Since l have seen many comments on how the extreme cold will kill off the mosquitoes, l thought l would share some good info.
While a cold snap might feel like it should be the "end" for mosquitoes, the reality in the Southeast is a bit more complicated. Most mosquitoes don't actually die off; they just hit the "pause" button.
Here is how they survive the Southern winter:
1. The 50-Degree Rule
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body temperature.
• Below 50°F: They become lethargic and generally stop flying or biting.
• At Freezing (32°F): Most adult mosquitoes will die if they are exposed, but they are experts at finding "micro-climates"—protected spots like crawlspaces, hollow logs, or thick leaf litter—to stay just warm enough to survive.
2. Hibernation (Diapause)
Many species in states like Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas enter a state called diapause. They essentially "hibernate" by slowing their metabolism to a crawl. They can stay in this state for months, waiting for a string of days above 50°F to wake up and start biting again.
3. "Winter-Hardy" Eggs
Even if a severe freeze kills every adult mosquito in your yard, the population is usually safe. Many species lay eggs in the fall that are designed to survive sub-freezing temperatures. These eggs can sit in dry or frozen dirt all winter and will only hatch once the spring rains arrive and the water temperature rises.
So the bottom line is, the skeeters will be back, regardless of the cold.
