It takes some extreme freezes to kill mosquitoes and we had several, but don’t expect much mosquito relief as we warm up through the end of February and into Spring.
The weather during the fall of 2022 should have eased the abundance of mosquitoes since September and October were much drier and cooler compared to most months in Jacksonville.
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But it was followed by an unseasonably warm and wet fall that provided mosquitos with a prime opportunity to lay eggs which will result in more mosquitoes.
Six hard freezes over Christmas week are certainly cold enough to kill mosquitos. However, the mild winter weather has taken over with no additional freezes beyond the four we had in January.
Mosquitoes have survived cold snaps for millions of years adapting mechanisms that work for different species.
The mosquitoes we see in the winter become lethargic at 60 degrees, and cannot function below 50 degrees after entering into a dormant state called diapause, once the weather warms up, they become active again.
For instance, male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes die in the winter but the hardy eggs laid by females in standing water continue to develop after the cold winter.
Some kinds of mosquitoes have winter hardy embryos in the eggs laid by the previous female generation in late summer.
Extremely cold temperatures undoubtedly decrease insect populations if it stays cold for extended periods.
But, swings in temperature can play a more significant role in reducing bugs if they don’t have time to adjust to a freeze.
Insects are more prepared to survive freezing temperatures if they have time to adjust to a steady cool down compared to rapid freeze-thaw cycles that could cause death by rupturing cells.
Your actions play a larger role in determining whether mosquitoes survive. One tablespoon of water can breed up to 200 mosquitoes Taking steps to reduce water around your yard will minimize hospitable locations for mosquito eggs.
Empty standing water in flower pots, bird baths, tires and any small containers that are the size of a bottle cap or larger. Also, keep your gutters clear and reduce piles of leaves around shady areas that trap moisture.
