Mosquitoes are a pretty common pest all over the world, and California is no exception. While many people think they vanish during the winter, in warmer places like Southern California, they can stick around a lot longer than you’d expect. If you want to keep mosquitos out of your home or business year-round, the first step is to understand their seasonality. So, let’s get into when and where to expect mosquitos during the California winter, and how to give them the cold shoulder this holiday season.
If you’re dealing with mosquitos regardless of the season, Banner Pest Services can help you keep these buzzing bothers out of your home or business year round. Reach out to us today for a free consultation!
Mosquito bites in the winter: how do mosquitos behave in the cold?
As mentioned in the introduction, mosquitos don’t die off or vanish during the winter. Mosquitoes typically enter a state of diapause, a type of hibernation that many insects partake in during the winter. They become less active and seek shelter in protected areas such as tree holes, underground burrows, and even people’s homes. The good thing about this is that if it’s cold and dry enough, these bugs will likely leave you alone.
This lull in mosquito activity could actually be a great opportunity for you if you have issues with mosquitoes during the warmer months. Inspect mosquito problem areas from the summer to see if there are any stowaway mosquitoes that could be gassed out with mosquito killers. It might make your life easier in the summer!
Do mosquitoes ever bite in winter?
Mosquitoes do bite during the winter on occasion, but not for the same reason they do during the summer. Mosquitoes bite in the winter mostly as a form of subsistence, as opposed to feeding for reproduction in the warmer months. During the summertime, the mother mosquitoes typically bite for the purpose of collecting blood proteins to generate their eggs. Nasty!
Risks and health concerns of mosquito bites in winter
While mosquito bites are often associated with warmer months, they can still pose those same health risks in winter. Mosquitoes are the proprietors of various dangerous diseases, including West Nile virus and Zika virus. Although the risk of contracting these diseases is generally lower in winter due to reduced mosquito activity, it’s still worth considering if you’re in an area that gets a lot of traffic from these blood-suckers.
Preventing mosquito bites in winter
Wanna be proactive in protecting yourself from mosquitoes before they wake up in spring? The easiest first step is to start removing standing water around your property. Standing water, like from leaky pipes or stagnant pongs, is an ideal space for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Clean your gutters too, since the stagnant water and plant matter can attract mosquitoes and tons of other bugs too. Use screens on windows and doors to prevent bugs from sneaking in that way.
Natural remedies for mosquito bites in winter
Ouch, have you been hit by mosquito bites, even though it’s chilly outside? First of all, don’t scratch that itch! Excessive scratching can cause scarring and bleeding, and make it take longer for the bite to heal. A cold compress can make that itch go away and make it heal faster to boot. Aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, and lavender oil are also known for their soothing properties. These natural remedies can help reduce inflammation and itching caused by mosquito bites.
Mosquito bite relief and treatment in winter
In addition to natural remedies, over-the-counter treatments can also provide relief from mosquito bites in winter. Antihistamine creams or lotions can help reduce itching and inflammation. Calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream are commonly used to provide relief.
Mosquito control measures in winter
While it may be challenging to control mosquito populations during the winter months, there are still measures you can take to reduce their presence. Regularly inspect your property for any potential mosquito breeding sites and eliminate them. Mosquito traps and bug zappers can also be effective in capturing and killing adult mosquitoes. Consulting with a professional pest control service, such as Banner Pest Services, can provide you with expert advice and solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes are a pest, regardless of the weather outside. Stay on top of these bugs year round, and you can prevent serious infestations when it starts getting warm out again. If you get bitten, use cold compresses, antihistamine creams, and natural solutions like aloe vera to get rid of the pain quickly.
Banner Pest Services is here to help you keep your Bay Area home or business free from mosquitos year-round. Contact us today for a free quote, and start living bite-free today!
