Say au revoir to the heat of summer, and to the cool mosquito biteless bliss of fall. Or, so you’ve been led to believe. Mosquitos can still actually bite you in the fall, and they don’t actually fully die off at any point in the year. These bugs still gotta eat, and although there might be a lot less mosquito activity in the fall, they still linger year round in the warmer regions of the country like Southern California.
So if you’re itching for relief, you might need to call on the pros to get the mosquitos packing early. Contact Banner Pest Services today for a free quote on mosquito pest control, and get your home or business protected from bites year round.
Lifespan of mosquitos
Mosquitos have relatively short lifespans, but they do typically live a few months depending on the species. From egg to larva to pupa to adult, many mosquitos go their whole lives without experiencing the hardship of the cold. However, some survive through a hibernation like process in the colder months. Mosquito eggs typically need standing water to hatch, and it’s kind of hard for mosquito eggs to do well in the cold since they’re cold blooded animals. So, mosquito parents often sleep through the winter before laying their eggs in puddles left behind by spring showers.
When do mosquitos die in the fall?
Mosquitos have the most trouble surviving in environments below 50 degrees fahrenheit, so as the temperature drops in the fall, expect your encounters with mosquitos to fall as well. Of course, this also depends on the species of mosquito and the heat and humidity of the region in question. Typically in the Bay Area, mosquito populations start to decline in October but can still be found in small doses year round. Again, while many mosquitos die off in this time, many of them find a hibernation spot to weather the storm from.
Signs of mosquito decline in the fall
One sign that mosquitos are on the decline in the fall is a decrease in their presence during outdoor activities. If you find yourself being bitten less frequently and noticing fewer mosquitos buzzing around, it’s a good indication that their numbers are dwindling. Additionally, you may notice a decrease in mosquito larvae in standing water sources, as they struggle to survive in cooler temperatures.
Preparing for mosquito season next year
While mosquitos may be less of a nuisance in the fall, it’s never too early to start preparing for the next mosquito season. One important step is to eliminate any standing water around your home, as it provides a breeding ground for mosquitos. This includes emptying and cleaning birdbaths, flowerpots, and gutters. Additionally, consider using mosquito repellents and wearing protective clothing when spending time outdoors.
Natural ways to repel mosquitos in the fall
If you prefer natural alternatives to chemical repellents, there are several options to repel mosquitos in the fall. Planting mosquito-repelling herbs such as lavender, citronella, and basil in your garden can help keep mosquitos at bay. Burning candles or using essential oils with mosquito-repelling properties, such as lemon eucalyptus oil, can also be effective. Furthermore, wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding heavily scented perfumes or lotions can make you less attractive to mosquitos.
Common myths about mosquitos in the fall
There are a few common misconceptions about mosquitos in the fall that should be clarified. Firstly, some people believe that mosquitos die off completely in the fall. While their numbers may decline, it’s unlikely that they will disappear entirely until the temperatures drop significantly. Mosquitos go into a sort of hibernation during the winter, so they don’t die off completely.
Another myth about mosquitos is that they only bite during the summer. While it is true they bite less in the fall or winter, this is mostly because they are only biting for subsistence. During the summer, mosquitos bite to gather blood meal, a protein based blood substance that they use to form eggs for their young. Gross.
Conclusion: When do mosquitos die in the fall?
While these blood suckers may still be present year round, they tend to back off a bit as the nights start to get colder. However, they don’t disappear entirely, as they still need food to keep themselves alive outside of breeding season. You can use the lull in mosquito action to your advantage by proactively spraying problem areas and cleaning up standing water where they’ll congregate in the coming spring. It’s never too early to prep for mosquito season!
Banner Pest Services is here to help keep mosquitos out of your Bay Area home year round. Contact us today for a free quote!
