Mosquitoes thrive during the warm seasons and tend to disappear during the winter. However, just because this pest is out of sight doesn’t mean that they can’t survive the winter. Our article tells you everything you need to know about the winter lifecycle of mosquitoes.
The Types Of Mosquitoes In Atlanta
There are many mosquito species found across the United States, but only a few types of mosquitoes can commonly be found around the Atlanta area. These species include:
- Aedes mosquitoes
- Culex mosquitoes
- Anopheles mosquitoes
Any of these mosquitoes may be present on your property; the main difference between these types is their primary time of activity (where you may be bitten most aggressively), but all of these species have similar winter lifestyles.
The Winter Lifecycle Of Atlanta Mosquitoes
When it comes to colder weather, it typically takes temperatures below fifty degrees to kill off mosquitoes. However, this pest is also known to hibernate during colder temperatures. Female mosquitoes will lay their eggs when temperatures start getting cooler before their either die or bunker down in a basement or secluded outdoor area. In most cases, the eggs will stay dormant in the cold water until it warms up enough to hatch. This typically happens in the spring and causes a new generation of mosquitoes to emerge.
Some mosquito species will have their eggs hatch during the colder weather, and the mosquito larvae survival depends on something called a state of diapause. This slows the metabolism and ensures the mosquito larvae survive throughout winter and into the spring when they develop into adult mosquitoes.
Because Atlanta tends to have shorter, warmer winters, the mosquito dormancy period is not as long as in areas with long winters. This shorter mosquito dormancy season is why mosquito control is vital for Atlanta property owners.
How To Prevent Mosquitoes From Laying Eggs On Your Atlanta Property
The following natural ways to repel mosquitoes can prevent this pest from laying eggs on your Atlanta property and causing problems once winter is over:
- Utilize plants around your property to repel mosquitoes. Lemongrass keeps mosquitoes away, as does lavender, marigold, and citronella grass. Place these plants near the foundation of your home, decks, and patios.
- Eliminate standing water on your property by changing birdbath water frequently, treating ponds or water features, clearing gutters, and ensuring proper outdoor drainage. Even debris and holes in your yard can collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed (only an inch is needed), so be thorough about this.
- Keep your yard free of debris, fill in holes, remove tree stumps, trim back overgrown foliage, and keep the grass trimmed down low. This will make the area less hospitable to mosquitoes looking for a home.
- Put in place window and door screens and ensure no gaps or cracks around your property’s windows, doors, and foundation. Keep exterior entrances often closed to prevent mosquitoes from invading your home and laying eggs.
The Key To Total Mosquito Elimination For Your Atlanta Property
When it comes to total mosquito elimination, the best thing to get rid of mosquitoes is help from the professionals at Tuxedo Mosquito Control. The experts will have no trouble providing you with eco-friendly, effective mosquito control solutions that eliminate ongoing infestations and protect your property from becoming a mosquito breeding ground once winter is over and eggs start hatching.