As the winter brings change to many plants, species, and animals, insects are no exception. There are many different ways insects survive the winter and in fact, many of them do. Many insects have evolved and adapted to survive the harsh winter months while others, like honeybees, gnats, and mosquitoes, are known to be short-lived bugs.
Even though some areas of the world drop to below zero, these hardy insects have learned to survive and carry on throughout the winter. Many bugs rely on hibernation, burrowing, seeking warmth, developing freeze tolerance, and migration.
Some insects that hibernate include ladybugs, butterfly species, bumblebees, beetles, and praying mantises. These bugs find protected areas where they can seek warmth and shelter. Bugs that are migrating can commonly be found under or tucked into tree bark, leaf compost, or even inside buildings like basements or crawl spaces. During their hibernation, the insect’s metabolic activity slows down, allowing them to conserve the energy they will need in the spring and summer months.
Certain bugs like ants, cicadas, crickets, worms, and some wasps bury themselves underground below the frost line. Insects, such as ants, have deep chambers that allow them to stay warm and away from the cold throughout the month. Ants will specifically gather food throughout the spring and summer months so that they can have a large supply to last them through the winter months when they do not surface above ground level.
Another common way bugs survive the winter is through migration. Many butterfly and dragonfly species migrate to warmer regions for the winter, traveling hundreds of miles to seek the warmth they need to survive. These insects strive to find milder climates and return to their breeding grounds in the springtime.
While many bugs have adapted to the cold and seek shelter to survive the winter months, many insects and rodents seek warm areas indoors where they can be protected from moisture and cold. In 2014, the National Pest Management Association found that over 21 million rodents enter homes in the United States each winter season and that 29% of Americans had a rodent problem within the walls of their home. The majority of these rodents were found in kitchens, basements, and living rooms. This is why it is especially important to continue pest control throughout the fall and winter months.
One of the best ways you can prevent your home from becoming a refuge for these unwanted pests is by ensuring all cracks, crevices, and any potential entryway for bugs and rodents are sealed and caulked. Remember that it only takes an opening the size of a quarter for a rat to enter and an opening the size of a dime for a mouse to enter. The fall time is the perfect time to call your local Insight Pest Solutions to complete this project and help keep your home protected for the upcoming season. Schedule your appointment today by calling us at (888) 414-1430!
