Arizona doesn’t get much of a winter, but for the short time that it is cold, the insects that plague us for most of the year seem to disappear. What happens to them? They don’t fly south like the birds, and they don’t hop a plane to vacay in tropical climates. Arizona’s pests have their own game plan for making it through the winter.
Here’s what the creepy crawlies do when the temperatures get too cold for them:
Mosquitoes are out in hoards during the warmer months, but they can’t be found when it gets colder. They don’t die off in the winter (unfortunately); they just hide away in hollow logs and other places they can stay warm and hibernate like bears. Female mosquitoes are the first to emerge in the spring, looking for fresh blood to fatten up and start developing eggs to reproduce.
Like mosquitoes, ants find ways to overwinter right in your backyard. They prepare for the colder months first by fattening up as much as they can by eating as much as they can. They won’t eat during the colder months, so they’ll use up those fat stores for their survival. Typically, ants will hide out under a stone or will dig their way into the soil to stay warm.
We all know that cockroaches don’t die easily, so it’s no surprise that the winter doesn’t pose a threat to them. They like warm and humid spaces, but they can live pretty much anywhere. When it gets colder outside, expect to see them more in your home. They will be drawn especially to your bathrooms and kitchen. You’ll also see them in greater numbers inside office buildings, restaurants, and more.
Termites behave differently during the winter depending on their species. For examples, drywood termites will seek out dry wood (obvi). Subterranean termites will dig deeper into the ground where they can avoid the frost. They can also seek shelter in your home, where the temperature is controlled and they can enjoy comfortable conditions all year long. Expect to see termites out in force when the temperatures raise and they leave their nests to find mates. You are likely to see the discarded wings along your window sills when this happens.
The Arizona winters aren’t going to do much to affect bed bugs. These pesky creatures can live comfortably at temperatures close to freezing – as well as temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if they are exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees for extended periods, they are likely to die after a few days. Unfortunately, that doesn’t do much for the bed bugs inside your home – unless you want to freeze them out while you leave to warmer climates for a few weeks. Even then, they are likely to nestle down safely in the depths of your mattress, where the temperatures are cozy and warm. That means that you are likely to experience the same bed bug activity all year round, regardless of what’s happening outside.
Bugs like these can be a major nuisance in Arizona, and it can seem hopeful when some of them are not as prevalent during the winter months. It’s important that you know that they have not disappeared but have simply nestled down to ride out the winter. You should not become complacent and slack off on your pest-control treatments during these months. It will be just as important as ever to continue to treat your home and protect it from future infestations. It may even be to your advantage to eradicate the pests when they are not as active.
Varsity Termite and Pest Control offers year-round treatments for all types of pests found in Arizona. We ensure that your home is protected no matter what the weather is like outside. By continuing to treat your home during the less active winter months, you can ensure that you don’t have a major pest problem on your hands come spring. Our pest control experts will help you determine the right treatment plan for you, whether you are starting now or you have invested in the treatments in the past. Call us today to talk with a pest control expert and devise a plan for your home.
Published By:
Varsity Termite and Pest Control – Gary Dobert
6056 E Baseline Rd #122
Mesa, AZ85206
Office: 602-757-8252
Website: https://varsitytermiteandpestcontrol.com
Gary is the co-owner of Varsity Termite and Pest Control, a family owned and operated company in Arizona with over 21 years of experience. They specialize in termite and scorpion control services.
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