A Bug’s Life: Where Do All the Bugs Go During Winter?

T. Brian Lynch, Jr.

Jan 8, 2026

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the different insects during the cold winter months? Where do all those annoying mosquitos go? Do they freeze in place like they are stuck in prehistoric amber, Jurassic Park style? I went searching through all the fallen leaves for answers, and here’s what I found…

If you live in Birmingham, Alabama or anywhere in the Southeast, the answer may surprise you: winter doesn’t get rid of pests—it just changes their survival strategy.

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Unlike northern states, winters in Central Alabama and the Southeastern U.S. are generally mild. While we do experience freezing nights, extended deep freezes are rare. That means many insects survive the winter quite well—and are ready to rebound quickly once spring arrives. This is why pest activity in Birmingham often ramps up earlier than in other parts of the country.

For example, mosquitoes are one of the most bothersome seasonal pests homeowners have to deal with here in Alabama. One day you’re lathering your children in bug spray to defend them from the bites, the next day they’re gone! So what happens? Where do they all go? Here’s the science behind their evolutionary strategy for survival:

• Overwintering eggs: Many mosquito species lay eggs in standing water, damp soil, and leaf debris. These eggs survive freezing temperatures and hatch as soon as spring rains hit Birmingham, and temperatures reach 55 degrees.

• Dormant females: Some female mosquitoes enter a dormant state called diapause and hide in protected areas such as caverns, sheds, storm drains, and tree cavities. Once revived, they can begin laying eggs just as soon as they have had their first blood meal.

  
  

So yes, they are in sort of a frozen state reminiscent of the Jurassic Park mosquito. This is why mosquito season in Birmingham and surrounding areas can start as early as March—and sometimes earlier after a warm winter. But at least they stay outdoors. That’s better than the next group of bugs I will explore.

Ants, Roaches, and Beetles: Moving Indoors for the Winter

Common pests like ants, cockroaches, stink bugs, and beetles don’t disappear in winter—they relocate.

During colder months, these pests seek shelter in:

• Wall voids and attics

• Crawlspaces and basements

• Mulch beds and leaf piles near foundations

• Garages and utility rooms

In Birmingham homes, subterranean termites and ants remain active year-round indoors if warmth, moisture, and food are available.

Beneficial Insects Still Matter in Alabama Winters

Not all insects are bad. Many beneficial insects important to Alabama ecosystems also overwinter nearby:

• Butterflies may overwinter as eggs, caterpillars, or chrysalises

• Lady beetles and pollinators hibernate under leaf litter and bark

• Native bees often overwinter underground or in hollow plant stems

  
  

This is why aggressive winter yard and garden cleanups can unintentionally remove beneficial insects along with pests.

Do Insects Freeze During Alabama Winters?

Some insects can tolerate freezing temperatures by producing natural antifreeze compounds that protect their cells. That’s right, I said antifreeze! More evidence that cockroaches will remain long after humans are gone. Others survive by staying just warm enough underground or inside structures to avoid freezing altogether. In Birmingham’s climate, freezing temperatures are usually short-lived—making survival even easier for pests. Which translates to “more bugs, more problems” for you and I.

Why Winter Pest Control Matters in Birmingham, AL

Over the years, I have had many customers question the need and effectiveness of pest services during the winter. The idea being that bugs have disappeared, so why schedule an appointment? Well, winter is actually one of the most important times for pest control in the Southeast:

• Overwintering pests determine spring infestations

• Preventative treatments reduce early-season mosquito pressure

• Exclusion and sealing stop insects before they move indoors

• Mild winters often lead to heavier pest populations in spring

Oh, and let’s not forget, rodents are most active inside our homes during the colder winter months. That alone is an excellent reason for winter pest control services. Proactive pest control during the cooler months can dramatically reduce problems later in the year, as well.

Final Thoughts: Pests Don’t Disappear — They Hide

Insects don’t disappear during winter in Birmingham or the Southeastern U.S. They hide, adapt, and prepare for warmer weather. That’s why pest problems often seem to return overnight each spring. Understanding where pests go in winter helps homeowners take smarter, more effective steps to protect their homes year-round. If you’re concerned about mosquitoes, ants, roaches, or other pests around your Birmingham home, winter is the perfect time to get ahead of the problem.