Bugs In Winter, Where Do They Go?

by | Feb 10, 2020 | Diseases & Insect Damage

Orchard Park Tree Bugs In Winter

Bugs such as mosquitoes, spiders, cockroaches, and ants can’t make their own heat. So, they depend on external temps for mobility. The geographic locations of bugs in winter is impacted by environmental temperatures. Some arthropods can’t survive in freezing weather.  Keep reading to discover information on a few bugs.

When winter comes, bugs migrate, go into diapause until warmer temps come back, or die. In warm climates, like Florida, bugs are active all year long. In these places, pest management and tree care businesses are as vital in winter as in the summer and spring months.

 

Cockroaches

Orchard Park Tree Bugs In Winter, Where Do They Go

Cockroach

Many types of cockroaches can’t survive in temps under 15°F. In the wintertime, cockroaches migrate indoors to be warm. There are some, though, that stay active in freezing temps. As with other insects, lower temperatures hinder growth. Therefore, even though cockroaches might be present, they are breeding at a slower pace.

 

Spiders

Spiders, like the black widow, can overwinter in the adult stage inside crawl spaces and buildings. Brown recluse spiders are inactive when it is under 44°F outdoors. Another reason for lower spider activity in times of low temperatures is that the number of prey is reduced during this period, lessening spider abundance. 

Eliminating spiderwebs with pesticides or vacuuming can get rid of spiders. Although some spiders might stay active in the winter, their activity is highly reduced until warmer temperatures and longer days come back.

 

Ants

Ants, like the red imported fire ant, might tunnel beneath the earth to evade dealing with cold temps. Though, numerous colonies can’t endure winter temperatures, unless the winter weather is mild. The Argentine ant is inactive when temps are under 41°F and can endure freezing winter temps by nesting close to pine trees. The bark of these trees soak up the sunlight and keep temps just high enough for the ant to search for food in the wintertime.

Orchard Park Tree Service is here to assist you with all your tree care needs, including trimming and tree removal. Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our certified arborists.