How Do Bugs Survive the Winter?

Temperatures are warming up again, which means that the bugs will soon be re-emerging from their chosen winter shelters. But as bugs once again begin to annoy you in your home, you may ask yourself: “How exactly do these creepy-crawlies get through the winter months?”

The answer to that question varies depending on the species, but one theme holds consistent: Bugs are resilient and hard-to-kill creatures, which is why sometimes you need the help of Utah insect control specialists if you have a bug problem in your home.

Coping with the cold temperatures

Here are some different ways the bugs withstand the cold months:

• They lay eggs. Many insects have very short life spans. Some only last a few weeks, while others die off at wintertime—but they never die off before leaving eggs in some warm, out-of-the-way spot (sometimes underground) so a new generation can emerge in spring.
• They hibernate. It’s not quite the same process that some mammals go through in winter, but some will simply go “dormant” for a few months in some protected spot.
• They simply remain active all winter. Many water-loving insects (generally while in their larval or pupae stages) will make their winter homes under the ice of fast-moving streams. Even if the top layer of ice freezes, they will still be able to catch nutrients in the flowing water at the bottom.
• They move into your home. All any bug really wants is a warm, secure place with lots of food. In the cases of creatures like ladybugs and certain kinds of spiders,

In short, there are lots of ways that insects survive the winter. They all point to one thing—when temperatures rise (and sometimes before), insects will once again be taking up residence in your home. Fortunately, when that happens, with just a quick phone call you can have your Salt Lake pest control professionals on your side!

By Tim Crain.