Do mosquitoes die off in winter in Arizona?
Written and reviewed by Casey Jones, Founder & CEO, Arizona Qualified Applicator, license #31513
Last reviewed:
Short answer
Not completely. Arizona's peak mosquito season usually runs April through October, and cold weather slows mosquitoes down, but some can stay active year-round in warmer parts of the state. Others ride out winter as dormant adults in sheltered spots, or as eggs that hatch once standing water returns.
Arizona context
The Arizona Department of Health Services says some mosquitoes can be active throughout the year in parts of Arizona, with peak season usually April through October. Hydra's branches see very different winters: the Gila Valley sits at the lowest elevation and stays relatively warm, Sierra Vista is also mild, and the White Mountains get snow. Some mosquitoes, including Culex species that can carry West Nile virus, survive cold weather as dormant adult females in sheltered places. Other species lay eggs on damp surfaces that can wait months or even years for water before hatching.
What you can do
- Dump standing water at least once a week: plant saucers, buckets, tarps, tires, toys and clogged gutters.
- Change water in pet dishes, bird baths and troughs weekly.
- Store containers upside down or covered.
- Keep using repellent and long sleeves whenever mosquitoes are biting.
- Do a fall cleanup so fewer containers are holding water and eggs going into spring.
When professional service is warranted
If you're still getting bitten around the house, or you have water you can't drain such as ponds, troughs or low spots, a professional can find breeding and resting sites you may be missing.
How Hydra handles it
Hydra's mosquito reduction starts with finding and reducing breeding sites, then treating the shady, sheltered areas where adult mosquitoes rest. The right timing depends on your property and branch, and we'll lay it out in your free custom quote.
Frequently asked
When does mosquito season end in Arizona?
Peak season usually runs April through October, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Activity drops off as nights get cold, earlier in the White Mountains than in the warmer low-desert valleys, where some mosquitoes can stay active all year.
Where do mosquitoes go in the winter?
Some species survive as dormant adult females tucked into sheltered spots. Others survive as eggs on damp surfaces that hatch when water returns, sometimes months later.
Can mosquitoes carry West Nile virus in Arizona?
Yes. Culex mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus. Use repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and dump standing water whenever mosquitoes are active.
Mosquito control in Sierra VistaIs fall a good time to deal with mosquitoes?
Yes. Cleaning up containers and standing water in the fall removes places where eggs can wait for spring.
About the author
Casey Jones is the founder and CEO of Hydra Pest Control, which started with Casey knocking on doors across rural Arizona. Casey is an Arizona Qualified Applicator (license #31513), licensed by the Arizona Department of Agriculture in categories including wood-destroying insects (termites) and ornamental and turf. Casey writes and reviews Hydra's answers using what our Service Pros see in the Gila Valley, White Mountains and Sierra Vista.
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References
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