What is Diapause?
Diapause is defined as a period of suspended development in the lifecycle of an insect. Mosquitoes will enter diapause during the fall and winter so they can survive the winter. Mosquitoes are able to enter diapause as a larvae, pupa, adult, or even before they hatch from their eggs. The mosquitoes will bury below the ground’s surface and lay eggs in places like decks and drains. They will reemerge and hatch once the temperature rises above 50 degrees. Mosquitoes in diapause are more resilient and live longer than mosquitoes in the summer. During diapause mosquitoes are still able to carry and spread diseases such as West Nile Virus.
Another behavior change mosquitoes will go through during the fall and winter is called endophily, which means that they will try to take shelter from the cold weather in buildings. Since female mosquitoes will not lay eggs during the colder months, they will focus more on eating nectar rather than feeding on our blood.
Homeowners should still take the steps for mosquito control during the diapause period. Be sure to keep doors and windows shut and continue to dump any standing water that occurs from rain or sleet. If you contact Mosquito Hunters of Southlake-North Richland Hills-Grapevine TODAY at (817) 287-1441, we will make sure to kill as many mosquitoes as possible before diapause starts so you will be able to start the spring without a worry!
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