My brother, John, is reporting a TERRIBLE mosquito population in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this summer! He said they’re more numerous & aggressive and are faster than usual. Bug spray up there was even SOLD OUT! Be prepared if you’re planning a visit to Yooper-Land this summer!
Watch out for a terrible mosquito population this summer in the UP!
How Mosquitos Survive Winter
Our talk about the mosquitos up there the other day prompted my kids to ask, “Dad, how do mosquitos survive winter?” A good question! With such a short lifespan (the males at least), it’s amazing bugs survive the harsh cold! Or do they migrate? Well, what happens is the males all DO die before winter. Some females survive winter by hiding in logs or animal dens/burrows. But mainly, it’s the eggs, and some larvae, that endure winter! When females lay their eggs in the fall, cold weather makes the eggs go dormant. When spring comes and weather improves, the eggs leave dormancy and hatch. Water is required for this. Females often lay their eggs over water but if they do lay them over soil, rain is required for them to hatch and survive. This is also why wet springs cause even worse mosquito numbers.