Did DC’s Deep Freeze Kill the Mosquitoes? Not So Fast.
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
After this winter’s brutal cold snap, many homeowners are hoping mosquito season might be lighter this year. A recent piece from Washingtonian magazine explains why that’s unlikely — and we agree.
The DC region’s most common species, Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus, are well adapted to survive winter. According to entomologist Michael Raupp of the University of Maryland, northern house mosquitoes don’t just endure cold weather — they avoid it altogether. They shelter in underground environments like Metro tunnels, storm drains, and parking structures where temperatures stay well above freezing. These protected spaces provide warmth, moisture, and even food sources, allowing populations to persist despite harsh outdoor conditions.
In other words, while we were bundled up indoors, many mosquitoes were safely riding out the winter below ground.
As temperatures rise across the DC area, surviving populations will become active again — which means early prevention matters. Proactive treatment and habitat reduction are the best ways to keep mosquito numbers under control before peak season arrives.
At DC Mosquito Defense, we’re already preparing for spring activity and helping homeowners stay protected from day one.
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