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standing water near home where mosquitoes can breed

Mosquito Larvae in Water: Where They Hide During Winter

Posted on December 17, 2025

Most people think mosquitoes disappear in winter. In reality, they’re usually setting up for the next season. The main reason spring mosquito problems show up fast is because the early stages are already happening around the home, especially anywhere water collects.

comparison of mosquito and no see um biting insects

Do Mosquito Larvae Survive In Winter?

In many areas, mosquitoes don’t stay active as adults in winter. Instead, they persist through eggs, and sometimes larvae, depending on the species and weather patterns.

Some mosquito eggs can wait out colder weather and hatch when temperatures rise. That’s why you can go from “no mosquitoes” to “mosquitoes everywhere” pretty quickly once spring warms up.

Where Mosquito Eggs And Larvae Hide Around A Home

Most mosquito breeding starts with small, overlooked water sources. These are some of the most common places mosquitoes use around a yard:

  • Clogged gutters and downspouts
  • Low spots in the yard that hold water
  • Planters, buckets, toys, and tarps
  • Birdbaths and pet bowls
  • Drainage areas near patios and decks
  • Anything that holds water for more than a few days

Even if it’s cold, these spots can still set the stage for spring breeding if the water sits and the weather warms up in short bursts.

Why Winter Yard Prep Still Matters

Winter is actually a great time to reduce breeding risk because the yard is easier to see without heavy growth. A few simple steps now can help cut down the first big wave later.

Here are the biggest winter prep wins:

  • Clear gutters so water flows instead of sitting and freezing in place.
  • Remove or store anything that collects water, even small containers.
  • Fix obvious drainage issues in low spots that stay damp after rain.
  • Trim back brush, especially in shady areas near outdoor living space.

These steps don’t just help with mosquitoes. They also make the yard less inviting for other pests once temperatures rise.

How Mosquito Control Targets Breeding And Resting Zones

A strong mosquito plan isn’t about spraying the air. It focuses on where mosquitoes spend most of their time, which is usually:

  • Standing water and moisture zones where they breed
  • Shady vegetation where they rest during the day
  • Protected edges of the yard where mosquitoes stage before biting

If you want help building a seasonal approach that targets the zones mosquitoes use most, explore
Mosquito Control Services
or find a provider near you through
Our Locations.

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