Do bugs actually go away in the winter? It might seem as if they do, but they don’t. Yes, many species cannot survive when the mercury drops below zero, but before they die, they will find warmth where they can. Some bugs hibernate and others nest to keep warm. The seasons don’t actually kill bugs, which is why we here at Contractor’s Best Pest Solution stay open year round.
Seeking Warmth in Your Home
Many pests, such as ants and wasps, will seek relief from the outside cold in your home. Others, however, accept their fate. They breed and/or lay eggs in warm, safe spaces to hatch the next generation and then succumb to the colder weather. Field crickets are one insect that will find a safe, warm space for their eggs, lay them, and then pass on. The eggs will hatch in the spring. In the meantime, aside from ants and wasps, termites, cockroaches, centipedes, fleas, moths, and spiders will all seek refuge in your home during the winter.
Seeking Warmth in Nests
Colony insects, such as bees and ants, will head to their hives or hills and stay there until spring. To keep warm, the bees will huddle together and gently flutter their wings. They also take turns moving in and out of the cluster to ensure every bee enjoys the warm center for a while. This is truly amazing if you think about it, isn’t it? Ants that haven’t made it into your home will dig deep underground and nest there until warm weather arrives. If they dig deep enough, they avoid the cold and wet ground that often accompanies Georgia winters.
Seeking Warmth Elsewhere
Many insects migrate away from the cold weather in order to survive the winter. The beautiful monarch butterfly is one insect that gets out of town once the mercury drops. Once south and in warmer weather, the monarchs reproduce and die, leaving the migration north again to their offspring. Dragonflies also migrate, but they rarely head down south as far as monarch butterflies do. Ladybugs and stink bugs don’t migrate south, but they do seek warmth under rocks and logs. If necessary, they will also try to enter your home.
There you have it! The winter does not kill off all bugs. They are resourceful and find ways to survive the frigid climate, whether by entering into your home or nesting in warmth elsewhere. Those that migrate will be back – well, at least their offspring will, that is – so it’s always wise to continue a pest control plan through the winter months. Contractor’s Best Pest Solution in Buford, GA, is here to help. Call us today.
