When temperatures drop, most of us breathe a sigh of relief—finally, no more itchy mosquito bites! But while it’s true that many mosquitoes die off in cold weather, some species survive by finding mosquito hiding places in winter both inside and around your home.
Knowing exactly where mosquitoes hide during winter is the first step to eliminating them before they reemerge in the spring. Here are the top five hiding spots to watch out for—and how to get rid of them effectively.
1. Basements and Crawl Spaces
Basements are warm, dark, and humid—everything mosquitoes love. Some species, like Culex pipiens (the common house mosquito), overwinter in these sheltered areas as adults in a hibernation-like state.
Elimination Tips:
Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 50%.
Seal cracks around windows, vents, and foundation walls.
Check sump pits and drains for standing water.
(Internal link suggestion:) Read our full guide on Indoor Mosquito Prevention Tips for Cold Weather Months.
2. Garages and Storage Areas
Garages provide a perfect refuge for mosquitoes, especially when items like buckets, watering cans, or old tires collect small pools of water.
Elimination Tips:
Empty and dry any containers.
Keep garage doors sealed and close them promptly after use.
Store outdoor items like hoses or gardening tools indoors to keep them dry.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in corners—it’s a natural pest deterrent.
3. Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters hold debris and stagnant water, a mosquito’s dream home—even in cold weather. Eggs laid in late fall can survive until temperatures rise.
Elimination Tips:
Clean gutters and downspouts before freezing temperatures arrive.
Install gutter guards to prevent debris buildup.
Ensure water drains away from the foundation properly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers more mosquito prevention tips for homeowners.
4. Sheds and Outdoor Structures
Mosquitoes can overwinter inside sheds, barns, or storage boxes where it stays slightly warmer than outdoors. These areas are often forgotten during winter, making them ideal hiding spots.
Elimination Tips:
Keep doors and windows tightly sealed.
Remove standing water from buckets, bins, and plant pots.
Inspect walls and ceilings for moisture leaks.
5. Under Leaf Litter and Yard Debris
Even outdoors, mosquitoes can find ways to survive. Females often hide under leaf piles, mulch, or logs, waiting for warmer days to lay eggs.
Elimination Tips:
Rake and remove leaf litter regularly.
Store firewood off the ground and away from your home.
Keep your yard tidy through winter to eliminate breeding habitats early.
Bonus: Don’t Forget Standing Water Indoors
Mosquito eggs can also survive in small pools of water inside your home—like pet bowls, plant trays, or unused vases. Empty these weekly and clean them thoroughly.
Conclusion
Even though winter feels like a mosquito break, these resilient pests can easily find cozy hiding spots around your home. By knowing where mosquitoes hide in winter—and taking preventive action—you’ll protect your home and ensure a bite-free spring.