While we may not like them buzzing or crawling around our heads around our homes, insects are truly fascinating creatures! If you’ve ever wondered where these bugs go during the winter, we have the answers. Keep reading for more information!
Pest Winter Behavior
The answer to the question “where do bugs go in the winter” is multi-faceted, because the truth is that bugs have a lot of different ways they survive the winter. Some of them leave, some of them go into a kind of hibernation, and some simply find warmer shelter.
Wintering
The term “overwintering” simply refers to how, in this case, insects spend the winter. Overwintering pests do not migrate or hibernate, but overwinter in various stages of life. Some insects overwinter as larvae, pupae, eggs or nymphs. They are designed to survive the cold temperatures in their various stages and emerge as adults in the spring.
Hibernation
Many adult insects will find a warm place to lay low for the winter, much like bears hibernate. They will find holes in trees, spaces under logs, or even cozy spots in your home to wait out the cold temperatures. Although they will likely be very inactive during this time, if you find pests in your home, make sure you address the problem before spring arrives.
Migration
Some species will migrate for the winter just like birds! The monarch butterfly is the most famous insect to do this, but a number of other insects and crop pests also do it.
Common pests and how they survive the winter
You may be wondering about specific pests that we are used to down here in the South, and where exactly they go during the winter. Here are some of the most common insects and what they do to survive:
Wasps
Only the fertilized wasp queen survives at the end of the season! She will find a cozy place to hibernate in until spring, when she will find a new nesting place to lay her eggs.
Mosquitoes
Male mosquitoes actually don’t make it through the winter, while females do. The latter will hibernate in hollow logs and wait for warm weather. Some species of mosquitoes overwinter in the larval or pupal stages and develop into adults in the spring.
Ladybugs
Ladybugs are a prime example of a pest that seeks shelter in your home. Although they will look very comfortable and inactive during the winter, you will want to deal with the problem quickly. Ladybug infestations are typically not small and not easy to get rid of!
Keep pests out of your home this winter
Winter may feel like a safe time to slack off when it comes to pest control, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Most of the insects we deal with in the South aren’t going anywhere; they simply find warmer places to wait out the winter—and your house is very warm! Get in touch with Vulcan Termite & Pest Control today.