Did you know that there are insects that live in your lawn during winter? While many think of insects as pests, these creatures play an essential role in the ecosystem. They help break down organic matter and recycle nutrients into the soil. However, some of these insects can become a nuisance if they find a way to move from your yard into your home.
What Attracts Insects that Live in Your Lawn
While it is common for some insects to die off when it gets cold, that isn’t the case for all of them. There are certain types of insects that prefer cooler temperatures. One example is the common house cricket. These insects are attracted to areas where there is a lot of organic matter, such as in your lawn.
They also like places that offer protection from predators and the elements. That’s why you’ll often find insects that live in your lawn hiding under leaves, rocks, or logs. Some other things that attract insects to your lawn include;
- Layers of Mulch
- Tall Grass
- Wood Piles
- Leaf Piles
- Lawn Ornamentsd
- Sturdy Structures
- Thatch
Types of Insects that Live in Your Lawn During Winter
Winter can bring some relief when it comes to insects like mosquitoes, however just because they are gone doesn’t mean they are gone forever. You may be wondering how these bugs can disappear and then come back in full force and the answer is because they are living in your yard.
Even if your grass goes dormant it provides a great environment for insects to thrive and hibernate through the winter while being protected by the other elements. Here are some of the insects that live in your lawn during winter.
Termites
Termites are one of the most common insects that live in your lawn during winter. While they are mostly active during the spring and summer, they can still cause damage to your property during the colder months. When the conditions are right termites can remain active throughout the winter months, espescially the termite colonies that live undeground.
As long as the ground covering the colony doesn’t freeze over the colony will be able to survive and remain active. Because of this when it comes to treatment to prevent the insects that live in your lawn, termite prevention should be at the top of your list.
Ticks
Ticks are another type of insects that live in your lawn during winter. These insects are most active during the spring and summer when they can attach themselves to animals and people to feed on their blood. However, they can also survive the winter by going into a dormant state.
During this time they will often seek out places where they can find shelter and warmth, such as in your home. This is why it’s important to be vigilant about checking for ticks after spending time outside, even during the winter months.
Ants
Ants are another type of insects that live in your lawn during winter. While they are mostly active during the warmer months, they don’t just disappear during the cold winter months. Because they are cold-blooded organisms, ants are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures.
During the fall months, ants will feast on fats, carbs, and other various nutrients in order to fatten up and prepare for winter. Once winter arrives, ants will dramatically slow their movements and are practically dormant. When they are in this state can survive and wait until spring as long as they don’t freeze to death.
While treating for ants during the heart of winter may not always appear the most effective, treating for ants during fall or early winter, when colonies might still be active, can have a huge impact on ant populations throughout the upcoming pest season. We strongly recommend treating anthills during the winter season to help combat these insects that live in your lawn.
Spiders
Spiders are insects that live in your lawn during winter, but not all spiders will go into a dormant state. Some spiders, such as the wolf spider, tarantula, and brown recluse spider will actually hunt for food throughout the winter months.
These spiders will build their webs in areas where they can find insects and other small animals to prey on. While most spiders are not considered to be dangerous, some of the spiders that hunt during the winter can be poisonous.
This is why it’s important to be aware of the types of insects that live in your lawn during winter and take steps to prevent them from entering your home.
Fleas
Next on the list of insects that live in your lawn during winter, is fleas, however are not always active. Fleas are mostly active during the spring and summer when they can attach themselves to animals and people to feed on their blood. However, they can also survive the winter by going into a dormant state.
During this time they will often seek out places where they can find shelter and warmth, such as in your home. This is why it’s important to be vigilant about checking for fleas after spending time outside, even during the winter months.
Beetles
Beetles are another type of insects that live in your lawn during winter, but not all beetles will go into a dormant state. Some beetles, such as the Japanese beetle, will actually remain active throughout the winter months.
These beetles will burrow underground during the colder months and emerge when the temperatures start to warm up again. While they are not typically considered to be a nuisance, some beetles can actually cause damage to your lawn and garden. Which is why it is important to be aware of the types of insects that live in your lawn during winter and take steps to prevent them from damaging your property.
Let Us Help Combat the Insects That Live in Your Lawn
While insects that live in your lawn during winter can be nuisances, there are steps that you can take to prevent them from entering your home and causing damage. Sigma Pest Control can help you combat these insects and keep your home and property safe. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help!