Austin residents start venturing outdoors more often as the late fall and winter temperatures bring cooler days. Also, many residents enjoy the lack of mosquitoes as dusk arrives. After the Zika scare this year, residents in the area are wondering where these pests go when it is cold out and when they will return.
Where Do Mosquitoes Go When It Is Cold?
There are many species of mosquitoes, and most you will never see in urban areas since they avoid humans. Aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus are the two most common types in the area, and they are also known carriers of Zika, dengue, yellow fever and West Nile. When temperatures drop, they often burrow into the ground in small holes. If temperatures rise to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they may come out. However, many of them die in their holes while waiting for warmer temperatures. Females can lay about 200,000 eggs at once multiple times during their lifespan, and the eggs survive in sources of cold water.
When Do Mosquitoes Leave And Return In Austin?
In Austin, mosquitoes typically start disappearing when temperatures reach about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and remain steady for at least several days. This means that they normally disappear in November and come back in February or March. However, you may see mosquitoes if there is a warm spell during the winter. They can live several weeks or over a month in their ground holes. However, they are not typically as active until temperatures reach and remain above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When you add the attractive humidity of Austin summers to the mix, this explains why you see such large swarms during the hottest months of the year. Mosquito eggs usually hatch as the weather warms up.
How To Keep Mosquitoes Away
The best defense against mosquito swarms taking up residence on your property is eliminating sources of standing water. Do not over-water the lawn. If you have underground sprinklers, make sure that the heads are not leaky. Many mosquito infestations start in water that pools around a leaky sprinkler head. Empty pet dishes, landscaping ponds, birdbaths, fountains and other sources of standing water. If you have a pool or spa, keep it covered. If you live near a river or lake, you’ll need professional preventative treatments frequently. At Mosquitonix Austin, we can eliminate infestations or provide preventative treatments to help you stay ahead of the mosquitoes. For a free personalized estimate and treatment plan, call us today.