Mosquitoes in Winter
As the temperature begins to drop in Australia, you might notice fewer annoying bites and high-pitched buzzing in your ears (yes!!!). That's because mosquitoes, like many insects, respond to changes in weather—especially cooler temperatures. But they don’t simply vanish overnight. Their behaviour actually shifts as the seasons change.
Cold Weather Slows Mosquitoes Down
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded creatures, which means their body temperature and activity levels are influenced by the environment. When temperatures fall below around 10°C, most mosquito species become sluggish and inactive. Their metabolism slows down, making it harder for them to fly, feed, or even move around effectively [1].
This is why you tend to see fewer mozzies buzzing about in the cooler mornings or evenings during spring and autumn. However, this doesn’t mean they’re gone for good!
Some Mosquitoes Enter Hibernation
Annoyingly, some mosquito species have evolved to survive through the colder months. Female mosquitoes (the bitey ones) can enter a type of hibernation called diapause. This is a dormant state where their development pauses, allowing them to survive through winter by hiding in sheltered places like basements, tree holes, or sheds [2].
They’ll stay tucked away until warmer weather returns—sometimes as late as spring—then come out ready to feed and breed.
Others Survive as Eggs
Certain species, such as Aedes aegypti (a common vector for dengue and Zika viruses), lay eggs that can survive through dry or cold periods. These eggs remain dormant until conditions improve—such as after a warm rain—when they hatch and begin the mosquito life cycle [3].
This is one reason why we still need to be cautious about stagnant water sources even in cooler weather. It might not seem like a mosquito breeding ground now, but it could become one as soon as temperatures rise again.
Why You Might Still Get Bitten in Cooler Months
While mosquito activity drops significantly when it’s cold, in regions with milder winters—like many parts of Australia—you might still encounter mosquitoes during autumn and even winter. Heated indoor areas or warm spells can keep them active for longer than expected.
Plus, some invasive species, like Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito), are more cold-tolerant than others and may extend their activity into the cooler months [4].
So while you might enjoy fewer bites as the weather cools, it’s still smart to stay mosquito-aware, especially if you're travelling, camping, or living in areas where these resilient insects are known to hang around.
References
Rueda, L. M., Patel, K. J., Axtell, R. C., & Stinner, R. E. (1990). Temperature-dependent development and survival rates of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology, 27(5), 892–898.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). (2022). Mosquito Life Cycle
Becker, N. et al. (2010). Mosquitoes and their Control. Springer.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). (2023). Mosquito maps: Aedes albopictus