Mosquito Seasons
Discover how temperatures, precipitation, and daylight lengths control mosquito active months, and learn how species survive freezing winter conditions.
Temperature Triggers
50°F (10°C) Threshold: Most mosquito species become active and seek blood meals when consistent outdoor temperatures rise above 50°F. Below this threshold, their metabolism slows down, and activity drops to zero.
Optimal Ranges (80°F - 90°F): High warmth accelerates egg incubation and larval development. The reproduction cycle can shrink from 14 days down to just 7 days, causing rapid population growth.
Winter Survival (Diapause)
Egg Hibernation: Species in the *Aedes* genus survive winter as eggs. Before the first freeze, females lay cold-resistant eggs on dry ground. These eggs enter diapause (arrested development) and hatch when warm spring rains submerge them.
Adult Hibernation: *Culex* and *Anopheles* species survive as adult females. They enter hollow trees, caves, or human structures (basements, attics) to hibernate. They produce a form of natural antifreeze in their blood to survive sub-freezing temperatures.