Arizona doesn’t get much of a winter, but for a short time, it is cold, the insects that plague us for most of the year seem to disappear. What happens to them? They don’t fly south like the birds, and they don’t hop a plane to vacay in tropical climates. Arizona’s pests have their game plan for making it through the winter.

Here’s what the creepy crawlies do when the temperatures get too cold for them:

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are out in hoards during the warmer months, but they can’t be found when it gets colder. Unfortunately, they don’t die off in the winter (unfortunately); they just hide away in hollow logs and other places where they can stay warm and hibernate like bears. Female mosquitoes are the first to emerge in the spring, looking for fresh blood to fatten up and start developing eggs to reproduce.

Ants

Like mosquitoes, ants find ways to overwinter right in your backyard. They prepare for the colder months first by fattening up as much as they can by eating as much. They won’t eat during the colder months, so they’ll use up those fat stores for their survival. Typically, ants will hide out under a stone or dig their way into the soil to stay warm.

Cockroaches

We all know that cockroaches don’t die easily, so it’s no surprise that the winter doesn’t pose a threat to them. They like warm and humid spaces, but they can live pretty much anywhere. When it gets colder outside, expect to see them more in your home. They will be drawn primarily to your bathrooms and kitchen. You’ll also see them in more significant numbers inside office buildings, restaurants, and more.

Termites

Termites behave differently during the winter, depending on their species. For example, dry wood termites will seek out dry wood (obvi). Subterranean termites will dig deeper into the ground to avoid the frost. They can also seek shelter in your home, where the temperature is controlled, and they can enjoy comfortable conditions all year long. Expect to see termites out in force when the temperatures rise and leave their nests to find mates. You are likely to see the discarded wings along with your window sills when this happens.

Bed Bugs

The Arizona winters aren’t going to do much to affect bed bugs. These pesky creatures can live comfortably at temperatures close to freezing – as well as temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if they are exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees for extended periods, they will die after a few days. Unfortunately, that doesn’t do much for the bed bugs inside your home – unless you want to freeze them out while you leave to warmer climates for a few weeks. Even then, they are likely to nestle down safely in the depths of your mattress, where the temperatures are cozy and warm. That means that you will likely experience the same bed bug activity all year round, regardless of what’s happening outside.

Bugs like these can be a significant nuisance in Arizona, and it can seem hopeful when some of them are not as prevalent during the winter months. You must know that they have not disappeared but have nestled down to ride out the winter. You should not become complacent and slack off on your pest-control treatments during these months. It will be just as important as ever to continue treating your home and protecting it from future infestations. It may even be to your advantage to eradicate the pests when they are not as active.

Cummings Termite and Pest offers year-round treatments for all types of pests found in Arizona. We ensure that your home is protected no matter what the weather is like outside. By continuing to treat your home during the less active winter months, you can ensure that you don’t have a significant pest problem on your hands come spring. Our pest control experts will help you determine the right treatment plan for you, whether you are starting now or have invested in the treatments in the past. Call us today to talk with a pest control expert and devise a plan for your home.