Winter, that time of year when you bundle up to stay warm, contend with tons of traffic on the freeway (because nobody seems to know how to drive in the rain), and musty air throughout your home that no air freshener can diffuse. There is one thing about winter. However, that is nice… the lack of bugs!
How many bugs do you see around during the winter? Hardly any! Because they’re just like us, hunkered down and trying to stay warm and dry. There are many insects and pests that sleep throughout the winter months, leaving humans alone to drink hot cocoa and eggnog by the fire.
Mosquitoes
Many insects happily sleep through the winter months. Unfortunately, many are the ones we enjoy like butterflies and lady beetles. But others, like mosquitoes, we would be happy if they never woke up. Sadly, like all hibernating creatures, they do wake up, typically around late January to early February. And when they wake up… watch out! These insects are starving and are in a mad frenzy to create the next generation.
Ants
These industrial insects like to keep a low profile during the cold months, like underground low. They don’t exactly sleep through the winter though. What they do is move much slower during the cold months, which was they can conserve energy. Ants gather food during the months when food is plentiful and store it away underground, where it is warm. That way, they don’t have to search outside the colony for food when it’s cold outside. That’s smart for an insect.
Flies
Have you ever noticed there are a lot fewer flies buzzing around your home in the winter? Who knew flies hibernated? Actually, they don’t. The lifespan of an average fly is about 10 days, leaving the idea of them hibernating well… out in the cold. They do, however, lay eggs that can last until spring. As soon as the temperature starts to rise, so do flies.
Bed Bugs
These little bloodsuckers are a bit tricky. They don’t exactly hibernate. They can seem like it, but the circumstances have to be perfect. Bed Bugs are well adapted to warm climates. They’re perfectly happy wearing Bermuda shorts. Drop the temperature below 60 degrees though, and they enter a semi-hibernation state. If they’re not warm, they’re not happy. Aw, too bad. But if you turn up the furnace in your home to above 60 degrees, well to them it’s time to break out the pointed hats and streamers – it’s time to party.
Beetles
The only good beetle is one with a guitar or possibly a set of drums. Okay, that might be going too far. There are many types of beetles’ who burrow away for the winter months. You can find them in places that are warm and dry like in a tree’s bark or hiding underground around the base of your home. Sometimes they can even find their way into the walls of your house. As soon as the temperatures start to warm up, watch out!
Bumble Bees
Lastly, bumble bees. These insects are both a blessing and a curse. Without bees, we wouldn’t have fruit or vegetables. But, if you happen to be allergic, bees can be your worst nightmare. Unlike honey bees, who continue to stay active during the winter, bumble bees die. The queen bumble bee will burrow underground and stay warm throughout the winter. When it’s warm enough, she flies off to start a new colony, just hopefully not in your backyard.
If bugs are keeping you from hibernating this winter and you’re concerned you may have an insect or pest problem, it would be a good idea to call in a professional to check it out. The team at AIPM will rest your mind at ease. AIPM is owned and operated by University graduates who majored in Biology and Pest Management. They know how to handle all types of insect and pest issues. They can eliminate the threats to your property and set up a custom plan to ensure that you never have to face the same type of infestation again. Contact us to receive a free consultation.
Submit a Comment