Do Pests Burrow Down or Hibernate for the Winter? Learn About Pest Winter Behavior

pest winter behavior

While we might not like them buzzing around our heads or crawling around our homes, insects are truly fascinating creatures! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where these bugs go during the winter, we have the answers. Keep reading for more info! 

Pest Winter Behavior

The answer to the question “where do bugs go in the winter” is multifaceted, because the truth is bugs have a bunch of different ways that they survive the winter. Some of them leave, some of them go into a sort of hibernation, and some simply find warmer shelter. 

Overwintering

The term “overwinter” simply refers to how, in this case, insects spend the winter. Pests who overwinter don’t migrate or hibernate, but overwinter in various stages of life. Some insects overwinter as larvae, pupae, eggs, or nymphs. They’re designed to survive the cold temperatures in their various stages and emerge as adults come spring. 

Hibernation

Many adult insects will find a warm place to lay low for the winter, much like bears hibernate. They’ll find holes in trees, spaces under logs, or even cozy spots in your home to wait out the cold temperatures. While they’re likely to be very inactive during this time, if you find pests in your home make sure you address the problem before spring arrives. 

Migration

Some species will migrate for the winter just like birds do! The monarch butterfly is the most well-known insect to do this, but a number of other insects and crop pests do this as well. 

Common Pests & How They Survive the Winter

You might be wondering about specific pests that we’re used to down here in the South, and where exactly they go during the winter. Here are a few of the most common insects and what they do to survive:

Wasps

Only the fertilized queen wasp survives at the end of the season! She’ll find a cozy spot to hibernate in until spring, when she’ll find a new nest site to lay her eggs. 

Mosquitoes

Male mosquitoes actually don’t make it through the winter, while females do. The latter will hibernate in hollow logs and wait for warm weather. Some species of mosquitoes overwinter in the larvae or pupae stages, developing into adults in spring. 

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are a prime example of a pest that seeks shelter inside your home. While they’ll seem very docile and inactive during the winter, you’ll want to handle the problem quickly. Ladybug infestations are typically not small and not easy to get rid of! 

Keep Pests Out of Your Home this Winter

Winter might feel like a safe time to slack when it comes to pest control, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Most insects that we deal with in the South don’t go anywhere; they simply find warmer places to wait out the winter—and your home is plenty warm! Get in touch with Vulcan Termite & Pest Control today.