How Do Insects Survive Winter?

It’s commonly believed that cold weather kills off insects and, once temperatures dip below freezing, bugs are no longer a problem. While you may not see many insects on an icy winter day, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re gone.

Are There Insects in Winter?

A surprising number of pest species live through the winter. Some winter insects hibernate, some have evolved to endure the cold, and others find alternate accommodations until temperatures rise.

Can Bugs Survive Freezing?

Many insects have survival mechanisms to make it through freezing weather. Some hibernate during cold months, some burrow deeper into the ground or other surfaces when temperatures drop, and others have a sort of natural antifreeze that allows them to withstand winter.

For example, adult mosquitoes in winter either hibernate as adults or lay eggs with cold-tolerant embryos that hibernate until spring. Ants in winter seal off their tunnels and burrow more deeply into the ground where they await the return of warmer temperatures. Bees in winter don’t die off… they remain active inside the hive. They eat stored honey and gather in a cluster – vibrating their bodies and wings to create heat.

How Do Insects Survive in the Cold?

While some insects have evolved to live through cold weather, others take advantage of humans for their survival. Too often, homeowners unwittingly provide pests a warm place to overwinter, complete with sources of food and moisture.

To reduce the likelihood of pests infesting your home this winter:

• Seal up cracks or gaps around your foundation to prevent entry.
• Clear your property of remaining leaf piles or yard debris, especially near your home.
• Repair any leaks under sinks or around accessible pipes.
• Don’t leave food (including pet food) sitting on your counters, table, or elsewhere.
• Clean up food or liquid spills immediately.
• If you see evidence of bugs or rodents, contact a pest control professional to eradicate them before they spread.

What Bugs Are Most Active in Winter?

Some of the bugs that find their way indoors in winter are:

• Ants (including carpenter ants)
• Boxelder bugs
• Cockroaches
• Ladybugs
• Moths (including clothes moths and the winter moth)
• Spiders
• Stink bugs
• Termites

Don’t forget that rodents also migrate indoors in search of wintertime shelter. Rats, mice, and squirrels are problematic year-round pests that become worse in the winter.

During cold weather, you’re unlikely to have issues with outdoor stinging insects. But there’s a good chance that you might encounter ticks if temperatures are above 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Twin Forks Pest Control® Eliminates Winter Pests

You don’t have to let bugs “bug” you this holiday season and beyond. Twin Forks Pest Control® is your year-round pest removal expert, with more than 25 years of experience. Contact us online for a free estimate, or call (631) 324-9020 in East Hampton; (631) 287-9020 in Southampton, or (631) 298-0500 in Southold.