Does a Frost Kill Mosquitoes and Other Insects?

Most people think that when the first frost comes that they don’t have to worry about pests anymore, but will frost kill mosquitoes entirely, or do some survive?

What Weather Do Bugs Die In?

Some bugs can survive even in really cold weather! Even when frost covers the ground, many insects find ways to keep going. Some bugs can freeze a little and thaw out later like nothing happened! For example, mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. If that water freezes during winter, the eggs don’t die—they just wait for warmer weather. The eggs hatch once spring arrives, the ice melts, and the mosquitoes return to life. So, even though cold weather can slow bugs down, it doesn’t always get rid of them!

A Light Frost Is Just a Warning for Pests To Find Better Shelter

Some pests may get taken out by a quick frost and freeze-over, but for most, t’s just a warning sign to start looking for a better place to live. Unfortunately, most often that means your home.

This makes pre-winter home treatment very important. This way, a pest control service like us at Rove Pest Control can create a barrier of product around your home before pests get in.

The major cause of pest issues in your home is from them being left unchecked and allowed to nest and breed. With a barrier of product in place this fall, you can rest assured that pests that go through it won’t last long in your home.

You might also be creating safe zones for pests and not know it. For example, if you haven’t trimmed your grass short before the end of the fall, you may be creating shelter for pests.

This longer grass can create a buffer zone where temperatures can remain reasonable for pests during a frost, and even after a snow fall. Piles of leaves are another protector of pests that create warmer zones for pests to survive during the frost and even throughout the winter months.

With hiding places like these, pests can survive much later into the season than they otherwise would. Many pests, such as ticks and wasps, also become more aggressive for finding hosts, food and shelter.  Understand that just because it’s cold or frost occurred, it doesn’t mean pests are gone.

Pests Dig Deep, When It Gets Cold

Another thing that a frost will do is signal pests to dig deep underground or seek out hiding places. Many pests either go into hibernation during the winter months, or still remain fully active, but hide deeper underground.

Ants, for example, often build caverns underground and seal the entry points to the outside world with stones or dirt. This prevents them from freezing in the tunnels below.

Other pests have been known to burrow into trees and under their bark to stay warm and hibernate during the winter. Some pests like moles burrow deep underground below the frost line, where other pests and food sources remain active.

In contrast to moles, it is common for voles such as the meadow vole to stay on the surface and pluck blades of grass to serve as an insulation lining to their tunneling through the snow. Keeping your grass short will minimize the amount of protection these pests can derive from your lawn and subsequently minimize the amount of damage done to the yard over the course of a winter.

Pests don’t like to go out without a fight, so be sure to limit their options and don’t just hope that a frost and some colder weather will take them out. In addition to that, set your home up with a barrier treatment to quickly get rid of those pests who do make their way into your home.

Don’t Let Pests Survive the Winter—Get Year-Round Pest Control With Rove Pest Control!

Cold weather might slow insects down, but it doesn’t always wipe them out completely. Many pests, like mosquitoes and ants, find ways to survive the winter and return in full force when temperatures rise. Don’t wait for pests to make a comeback—take action now!

Rove Pest Control offers expert pest control services for your home or business year-round. Whether you’re dealing with winter invaders or preparing for warmer months, our team is ready to help. Call or contact us online today for a customized pest prevention plan and enjoy a pest-free environment no matter the season!