Do all insects die off in the Winter? Are there hibernating insects out there?
Where I live, there was a pretty large winter storm that rolled in a couple of nights ago – a little more than a foot of snow fell to the ground. School was cancelled that day for my kids, and they enjoyed their day off by sledding, baking cookies and spending probably too much time on their video game consoles.
Of course, I still had to work, and the storm had me doing some cleanup work when I could find the time. It did get me thinking though – where are all the insects? It has been months since I last had to exterminate a nest of wasps from the gutters of my home. The mosquito spray has not seen use for a while now, and the ants that once seemed to invade my home have been nonexistent. So what happens to them all?
Birds Fly South
When I was younger, the notion of all birds flying south for winter months, was put in my mind. As I matured I came to realize that this is not entirely true. Of course some birds, such as geese, migrate south. There are still many other birds commonly found in my area, that stay behind and weather the months ahead. Much of the determining factor for birds, on whether they stay or go, is their sources of food.
In locations that have been known for colder winters, some of the more common sources of bird foods, such as nectar and some insects, may not be fully available all year round. However other insects and sources of food are still available. For instance, there are some hibernating insects that live underneath tree bark, even in colder, winter months. Other insects may bury themselves underground or underneath leaf piles. Many insects will even seek shelter in the warm interior of your home, hiding in the walls of your home or beneath appliances. These places may provide a great nesting spot for insects.
Insects That Die off in Winter Months
Not all insects survive the winter months. While some insects like the monarch butterfly will travel to warmer climates, others like the cricket will simply die off unless finding a way indoors. They will however leave their eggs behind for the upcoming new generation to thrive come the warmer months ahead.
The Process of Diapause
Diapause is a stage of suspended development of an insect. Insect diapause is often induced by environmental factors, the temperature outside being one. Diapause works like hibernation. During this state many insects will get by in colder months by lowering the number of resources needed in order to survive and suspending their development for a time, lurking for the warmer season that will follow.
Where Do Insects Go During Winter Months?
Below we will discuss various insects and their habits within the winter months. Some are known as hibernating insects while others are not. We will also discuss ways to control their population in these winter months.
Ants in the Winter
As I mentioned above, my home had an influx of ants over the summer months. Now that the winter season is just around the corner, however, I cannot remember when I last saw even a single ant either inside or outside. So where do they go?
Most outdoor ants will spend the winter months underground in colonies and dormant. Indoor ants that have found the solitude of warmer indoor climates might, however, remain active.
Outdoor ants will often add some extra weight in preparation for the winter months. This way they can go longer without consuming food. They will oftentimes seal off entrances and huddle together beneath soil, beneath tree bark, under piles of leaves, beneath rocks, and even within cracks of your home’s foundation.
Bees and Wasps in the Winter
In winter months, the sources of pollen will eventually disappear. Carpenter bees will hibernate until springtime. Bumblebees will die off except for the queen bees that will hibernate and begin to create a new colony in the springtime. Honey bees will remain active throughout the winter months despite the cold and lack of flowers to forage. They will retreat back to their hives when the temperature slips down to approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
As for wasps, the mated females are hibernating insects and will find small crevices to shelter. Others will die off due to starvation. Many queen wasps will also will not make the winter months, struggling at this time.
Mosquitoes in the Winter
Mosquitoes actually hibernate during the winter months. Yes, many of them will die off, however the reason they are not buzzing around and biting us, is that they are avoiding the cold. Many times female mosquitoes will lay eggs in standing water or soil during the fall, where the eggs will suspend their growth until springtime.
Spiders in the Winter
Spiders are actually cold blooded. In colder months, they tend to become less active. Outdoor spiders may enter diapause and hibernate during the winter months, oftentimes finding spots under leaf or wood piles. They will also come out of hiding on warmer days to search for food.
Many spiders are of the indoor variety, however. If you happen to see a spider in the winter months creeping around your home, chances are that spider has been there all year long and not trying to avoid the cold outside.
Termites in the Winter
Termites do not hibernate. They will find warmer spaces in order to survive the cold. Outdoor termites will dig deeper into the ground to keep themselves comfortable. The termites that are indoors will continue to work without pausing at all, taking advantage of your heating bill and causing more damage to your home.
Silverfish in the Winter
Silverfish are not hibernating insects. They can thrive year round, and they are basically as active in the winter months in cold temperatures as they are in the spring or summer. They can occupy many locations throughout your home or office – from basements to attics, from garages to living rooms.
Unlike bees and many other insects, they do not need flowers and nectar to survive. They feed from various cardboard, glue and paper items.
While it is true that silverfish do not pose a serious threat to humans directly – no biting, no transmitting of disease – they can cause damage in other ways. Because silverfish feed off of starchy materials, they often will chew holes in clothing, upholstery, the bindings of books, wallpaper, bathroom caulking and any kind of adhesive.
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Actions to Help Control a Pest Population in Winter Months
The truth is many common and unwanted insects are still very much present during winter months. Yes, their habits may change during this time, however, they can still be a fairly destructive, unpleasant and fairly harmful to your home. Some insects may travel indoors for the various comforts that your home may provide, while others may find shelter and warmth underground or in the bark of the trees near your home. Below are a few actions that can help you maintain and eliminate insects during this season.
1 – Professional Exterminators
As you may have probably noticed, professional exterminators do not only practice seasonally. If your home or property has a winter season pest problem, and if this problem is growing, a professional exterminator can and will help. A simple internet search will help you find the best option for you, whether that be based on price, experience or something else.
2 – Dust Your Attic, Crawl Spaces and Basement
For pests that have already found their way into your home for the winter season, one of the better ways to suppress their activity come springtime is to dust and clean spaces such as your attic, any crawl spaces and your basement. Although insects may be less of an obvious nuisance in the winter months, dusting and cleaning such areas less travelled by your family during this time will prevent an influx of pests later on.
3 – Take Preventative Measures
After cleaning your attic, crawl spaces and basement, it is a good idea to seal off any possible entry points to your home. After all, your home is much warmer that the outside environment. Insects will try to sneak in if given an opportunity.
Try to find and seal any cracks and holes, repair any damaged window screens, replace any damaged weather stripping, make sure firewood is at least 20 feet from the foundation of your home and address any clogged drains and leaky pipes.
4 – Keep an Eye on Your Pantry
Pantries are a great spots for insects to linger about throughout winter months, as they tend to be darker and a convenient source of food. You should attempt to tidy up your pantry area, using hard plastic containers to seal off food.
Conclusion
Although insects may seem to already be under control during winter months, it is still important to take the necessary steps to eliminate pests in your home already and also to ensure many more do not find their way inside. Many hibernating insects will again thrive in warmer weather. Try taking the necessary steps necessary now, and prevent more of an issue in the springtime.
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