During the winter months, a mosquito is in the egg stage. When temperatures begin to dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, adult females, deposit their final batch of eggs in anything that can hold water. This is why it is so important to keep anything that can hold as little as half an inch of water empty and away from your home. Eventually, the adult mosquitos will die, but their newly deposited eggs enter a state of non-development during the coldest winter months. The technical term is diapause. During the spring when temperatures begin to rise and rain begins to fall, the eggs are re-submerged and hatch to start the next generation of mosquitoes.

To prevent a spring mosquito infestation, you can take action now by doing these simple tasks:

• Inspect your home for all water-holding items that can be used for mosquito eggs. These include flowerpots, birdbaths, grill covers, some children’s play equipment, and other objects that can collect water.
• Unclog gutters, repair leaky pipes and faucets, and other sources that would make for a good egg-laying spot.
• Keep trash cans tightly sealed.
• Have your home professionally treated periodically to eliminate pests.