Mosquitoes and Fall

Labor Day is here and gone, and the kiddos are back in school. While it is sad to say goodbye to swimming pools, soaking up the sun, and barbecues, fall is an exciting time. The fall brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and lower humidity. Children (and some adults!) embark on a new school year. Some people look forward to the fall because there will be fewer insects. Unfortunately, one insect that sticks around in the fall is the pesky mosquito. Why is that?

Mosquitoes Also Love Autumn Weather

Mosquitoes can be just as annoying in the fall as they are in the summer. While you take walks to view the colorful leaves or sit around a bonfire with family and friends, you may have to swat away more than a few of these pests. Since mosquitoes are cold-blooded, they will die or hibernate in cold weather, but not until the temperatures are consistently under 50°F. The cooler fall temperatures also mean that mosquitoes will be more active during the day instead of only in the evenings. This means standing at the bus stop in the mornings may attract unwanted attention from these little bloodsuckers.

Breeding Season Continues Into The Fall

Mosquitoes start breeding earlier in the year and continue to do so until the temperature gets too low. Some species that don’t depend on large amounts of rain flourish during the fall. Mosquitoes also prepare for winter. Specific behaviors vary depending on species, location, and tolerance to the cold. Some kinds die off completely, and some can over-winter. The females of some species will mate, fatten up, and then go into hibernation, waiting for the temperatures to rise and start the cycle all over again.

Vogelsang Pest Management offers various pest control services for homeowners and businesses throughout St. Charles, Lincoln, and St. Louis counties in Missouri.