Doesn’t the Cold Kill Pests?

Doesn’t the Cold Kill Pests?

Even if you don’t love winter, it does offer a nice little break from our unofficial fifth season: Mosquito Season. Ahh, enjoy! But does cold weather really mean fewer bugs and creepy crawlies? Does it really kill pests? 

 

No, not really. We know that’s not the answer you were hoping for! All insects can withstand cold weather, to one extent or another. Most bury themselves underground, hunker down in leaf litter, or work their way under tree bark to hibernate. There’s good news: you will see fewer of many common pests, like mosquitos and house flies, as they go into winter mode. But rest assured: they’ll be back and ready to multiply in the spring!

The cold will not begin to kill pests until we get to sub-zero temps.

Eastern ash borers, for example, can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F. By -30, most insects will be killed, but it rarely hits that low in our region. Another issue is that the ground in which they burrow is warmer, so they can survive even our chilliest weather.

North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia don’t experience the same kind of bone-deep cold that our friends to the north do. Warmer winters are much easier on pests, such as deer ticks.

Another problem is that some insects find their way into the warm, dry shelter of your home. Take fleas, for instance. If they’re outside, and we have a stretch of weather colder than 37 degrees for at least ten days, eggs, larvae, pupae, and mature fleas will die. But likely your home is a bit warmer than 37 degrees! They’re perfectly happy to wreak havoc, and breed, inside. Even in cooler areas, like your basement, pupae can go dormant and then pop back up when it gets warmer.

Pests Are a Year-Round Problem

Unfortunately, we don’t really get a break from pests, no matter what time of year it is. If you are dealing with an infestation or signs of unwelcome intruders, do not hesitate to contact Rid-a-Bug. Our expert team is on the way.