Winter Insects to Watch For

DIY, Nature 6 Minutes

I always thought winter was a small respite from pests, but as I read in the following article from BackYardBoss, there are several insects we need to keep a look out for.

From BACKYARDBOSS:

Winter can be harsh for wildlife, including insects. As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, many of the bugs that are common during other seasons become rarer to see. But where do bugs go in winter? Many insects enter a state of dormancy or seek shelter to survive the cold. Some burrow into the soil, finding refuge beneath the frost line, while others hibernate in cozy nooks, such as leaf litter or tree bark. Certain insects, like monarch butterflies, travel south for the winter, according to the U.S. Forest Service. There, the butterflies hibernate until the cold months are over.

But not all insects are intimidated by winter. There’s a world of bizarre and terrifying insects that thrive in the cold.These winter insects are adapted to surviving in harsh conditions, displaying unique characteristics that set them apart from their warm-weather counterparts.From beetles with antifreeze-like blood to spiders that brave cold temperatures, thesewinter bugsare both fascinating and, at times, unnerving. Discover eight weird winter insects you’ll probably see before the season is over.

Snow Fleas

Snow fleas, despite their name, are not actual fleas. These minuscule insects are a type of springtail. Found in moist environments, snow fleas are some of the most active insects in winter, and their presence becomes noticeable on snowy surfaces. The winter bugs measure only about ⅒ of an inch, according to the University of Minnesota, and their dark color makes them stand out against the white snow. Despite their ominous appearance, snow fleas are harmless to humans. They feed on organic matter and play a crucial role in breaking down decaying plant material, which can help improve your soil.

Snow fleas produce Hypogastrura harveyi Folsom, a protein that acts as an antifreeze, preventing ice crystal formation within their bodies, and allowing them to remain active even in subzero temperatures. Their ability to jump vast distances helps them navigate through snow, while their dark coloration absorbs sunlight, providing them with warmth in chilly environments.

Snow flies can find their way into your home, but there are some things you can do to keep snow fleas at bay:

Maintain proper ventilation to reduce moisture levels indoors.

Clear snow and debris from around the foundation to limit their access points.

Use natural repellents like diatomaceous earth near entry points.

Apply a thin layer of cedar oil or citrus-based repellent in infested areas.

Use a vacuum cleaner with proper filtration to remove snow fleas indoors.

Consider introducing predatory insects like ground beetles to control populations.

Winter Stoneflies

Winter stoneflies are insects that defy the common perception of insects going dormant in winter. Thesewinter bugsare characterized by their elongated bodies and two pairs of membranous wings. Typically found near cold, running water, winter stoneflies undergo a unique life cycle that involves egg-laying on rocks in freezing conditions. Like snow fleas, winter stoneflies have dark coloration that aids in absorbing sunlight for warmth. Their ability to walk on their tippy-toes prevents direct contact with cold surfaces. Additionally, they seek refuge in crevices to evade harsh winter winds and replace body fluids with glycerol, an alcohol that remains unfrozen, enabling them to regulate their antifreeze levels as necessary.

Fortunately, stoneflies rarely invade your living space. However, if you have discovered them in your space and would like to get rid of them, there are some things you can do:

Use light-colored exterior paint to reduce heat absorption and deter stoneflies.

Install artificial light sources away from water bodies to minimize attraction.

Remove standing water around the property to limit breeding sites.

Apply insecticidal soaps sparingly on stonefly-infested plants.

Winter Moths

Winter moths are enchanting insects with a problematic reputation. These small, delicate moths have a wingspan of around 1 inch and are known for their ability to fly in cold temperatures. While they may seem harmless, the weird winter insects can be highly destructive to deciduous trees during their larval stage. The caterpillars feed on tree buds, potentially causing extensive damage to forests and ornamental trees. Winter moths have antifreeze in their bodies, aiding survival in freezing temperatures. They can also shiver to generate heat, maintaining their activity levels in cold weather.Moreover, they exhibit the ability to delay hatching until food sources are plentiful, enhancing their survival prospects by synchronizing with blooming cycles.

Winter moths can nest in your home but, there are some considerations for getting rid of these bugs in the winter:

Release natural predators such as parasitic wasps to control caterpillar populations outdoors.

Use organic insecticides such as neem oil to kill winter moths.

Apply horticultural oils on tree trunks to suffocate winter moth eggs.

Introduce pheromone traps to disrupt the mating cycle of adult moths.

Wrap tree trunks with burlap in late fall to prevent egg-laying.

Use sticky bands around tree trunks to trap crawling caterpillars.

Winter Ticks

Winter ticks feed on the blood of mammals during the winter months. These tiny, reddish-brown bugs are particularly concerning due to their impact on wildlife and domestic animals. Animals can suffer from significant blood loss when infested with large numbers of winter ticks.

A significant adaptation of these winter bugs is their ability to remain on a host throughout cold winters, unlike other tick species that shift hosts between developmental stages.This strategy ensures their survival by providing consistent access to a blood meal. Furthermore, off-host larvae and adult female winter ticks display remarkable survival techniques underwater, showcasing their adaptability to severe environments. To fight winter ticks:

Regularly check pets and livestock for ticks, especially after outdoor activities.

Safely remove the winter insectsusing fine-tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

Create tick-safe zones by clearing tall grass and dense vegetation.

Use botanical repellents on pets, focusing on ears, neck, and paws.

Consult with local wildlife management agencies to control tick-infested wildlife populations.

Snow Scorpionflies

Snow scorpionflies are fascinating insects that add a touch of mystery to winter landscapes. With their distinctive long antennae and tail-like appendages, snow scorpionflies have an otherworldly appearance. This winter flyis commonly found on snow surfaces, where it feeds on small invertebrates and detritus. What makes snow scorpionflies so adept at surviving in the winter? Well, the winter insects can lower the freezing point of fluids in their cells, which prevents the formation of ice crystals and allows them to be active in cold conditions. Snow scorpionflies don’t often infest your living spaces. But if you’re concerned that the winter insects might find their way into your home, there are things you can do to thwart an attack by the bugs in the winter:

Maintain cleanliness to discourage their presence indoors.

Safeguard your living space by fitting screens on windows and doors to block their entry.

Use yellow outdoor lighting to minimize their attraction to illuminated areas.

Clear snow and debris from outdoor spaces to reduce potential habitats.

Plant native vegetation to encourage the presence of natural predators.

Winter Ants

Winter ants, despite their small size, exhibit remarkable resilience in cold weather. The insects remain active during winter, foraging for food sources when temperatures drop. With a preference for sweet substances, winter ants may venture into homes seeking sustenance during the colder months. Ants have several adaptations to survive the winter. In colder months, ants use southern exposure rock surfaces to warm themselves and crowd together to share body heat. Unfortunately, winter ants can infest your home.The good news is that there are things you can do to get rid of ants, including winter ants:

Store food in airtight containers to eliminate potential food sources.

To prevent their intrusion, sealing cracks and eliminating food sources is essential.

Clean up crumbs and spills promptly to discourage ant foraging.

Use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean ant trails, disrupting their pheromone communication.

Sprinkle cinnamon or cayenne pepper near entry points as a natural ant deterrent.

Apply diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home to create a physical barrier.

Cold weather bugs reveal the hidden world of insect survival in freezing conditions. From the fascinating adaptations of snow fleas to the potential threat posed by winter moths and ticks, these winter insectsshowcase the diverse strategies employed to endure the harsh environment. Understanding their habits, appearance, and potential risks allows you to coexist with these cold weather bugs while appreciating the intricate balance of nature even in the coldest months.

SOURCE: BACKYARDBOSS.NET

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Published by pat frederick

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64 thoughts on “Winter Insects to Watch For”

        1. Wheezer showed up a short time ago – in a really pissy mood this morning – wouldn’t even let me scratch his back. He ate and departed right away.

          Liked by 1 person

  9. Secretary Hegseth’s Message to the Force
    Jan. 25, 2025 |

    It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down.

    The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence.

    o We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military. We are American warriors. We will defend our country. Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose.

    o We will rebuild our military by matching threats to capabilities. This means reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world.

    o We will reestablish deterrence by defending our homeland — on the ground and in the sky. We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China, as well as supporting the President’s priority to end wars responsibly and reorient to key threats. We will stand by our allies — and our enemies are on notice.

    All of this will be done with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness.

    I have committed my life to warfighters and their families. Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back. We serve together at a dangerous time. Our enemies will neither rest nor relent. And neither will we. We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment.

    Like each of you, I love my country and swore an oath to defend the Constitution. We will do that each and every day, as one team. Together we will accomplish the President’s mission to deter war, and if necessary, defeat and destroy our enemies. Godspeed!

    https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4040940/secretary-hegseths-message-to-the-force/

    Liked by 1 person

  11. disclaimer: I am admittedly ignorant of the whole process.

    there are some rumors/talk going around that the maggot “may have” SECRETLY pardoned himself and that won’t be revealed until/unless he’s charged with something.

    i have several problems with this scenario. it’s ripe with fraud–this “secret” could be in the hundreds –with let’s say hitlery, obama, and all the players–but didn’t actually happen, but they make it seem like it did happen before his term was up. it’s a secret pardon after all.

    do pardons have to filed? even secret ones? I mean any corrupt imbecile that makes it into office can purport to secretly pardon everyone AFTER he’s out of office.

    how does anyone validate that a pardon (a secret one) was made at all??

    this is the example in the RedState article:

    As for precedent, late President Ronald Reagan issued pardons for two former FBI officials in March of 1981 that didn’t become public immediately. Reagan had issued those pardons just days before he became the victim of an assassination attempt, but the White House at the time did not offer a reason as to why they weren’t made public until mid-April.

    https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2025/01/25/jake-tapper-raises-eyebrows-with-suggestion-biden-may-have-issued-a-secret-pardon-in-his-final-days-n2184814

    Liked by 2 people

  15. Liked by 1 person

  18. Just The News: “The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has concluded that COVID-19 “more likely” originated from a Chinese research lab leak but cautioned that it has “low confidence” in its finding, according to an assessment released on Saturday.

    “CIA assesses with low confidence that a research-related origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is more likely than a natural origin based on the available body of reporting. CIA continues to assess that both research-related and natural origin scenarios of the COVID-19 pandemic remain plausible,” said an agency spokesperson, according to Fox News.

    “We have low confidence in this judgment and will continue to evaluate any available credible new intelligence reporting or open-source information that could change CIA’s assessment,” they added.

    The lab leak conclusion represents a shift for the agency, given that the intelligence community was previously divided on the theory.

    Former President Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reportedly had ordered the assessment to be conducted. The new director of the CIA is John Ratcliffe.” 

    Liked by 1 person

  19. WB
    WB
    January 26, 2025 10:39 am

    PDJT learned a lot from his previous stint as POTUS. See this Executive Order

    https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/memorandum-to-resolve-the-backlog-of-security-clearances-for-executive-office-of-the-president-personnel/

    He is giving clearances to everybody that needs them, and is not waiting for the FBI to slow-roll the process. This is an excellent demonstration of how the power of the bureaucracy is derived from the President. In other words, the bureaucracy does not tell the President what to do, he tells them.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Freedom Ring
    Freedom Ring
    January 26, 2025 1:45 pm

    President just posted this on Truth Social

    I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of Illegal Criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia. This order was given by Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people. Petro’s denial of these flights has jeopardized the National Security and Public Safety of the United States, so I have directed my Administration to immediately take the following urgent and decisive retaliatory measures:
    -Emergency 25% tariffs on all goods coming into the United States. In one week, the 25% tariffs will be raised to 50%.
    -A Travel Ban and immediate Visa Revocations on the Colombian Government Officials, and all Allies and Supporters.
    -Visa Sanctions on all Party Members, Family Members, and Supporters of the Colombian Government.
    -Enhanced Customs and Border Protection Inspections of all Colombian Nationals and Cargo on national security grounds.
    -IEEPA Treasury, Banking and Financial Sanctions to be fully imposed.
    These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!

    Liked by 2 people

  26. just off the phone with my daughter and granddaughter. This is how great son SIL is…last night he and my GD took out the snowmobiles and they raced them on an empty field…LOL. She LOVED IT!

    they also told us about their goat herd–the 4 H families are coming and picking out the ones they love and they also have some posted on line. They sold one this morning (reserved actually) for a family that lives up here (4 hrs from them) and 2 towns over from us!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. OMG!!!! some great ones!
      Dick owner–i dated a “Dick”–proudly wore it in his belt buckle…LOL

      and my mom–she really looks over a box before she throws it out…it’s a good box after all…LOL

      Liked by 1 person

  31. “Trump Slaps Tariffs on Colombia After Its Israel-Bashing Marxist President Rejects US Deportation Flights — Within an hour, Gustavo Petro arranged to have his presidential plane pick up the migrants”

    Free Beacon, Adam Kredo, January 26, 2025

    Colombian president Gustavo Petro and President Donald Trump.

    EXCERPT: “President Donald Trump announced sweeping punitive measures against Colombia on Sunday after its Marxist president, Gustavo Petro, denied entry to two U.S. military deportation planes filled with migrants. Trump in turn imposed an “emergency” 25 percent tariff on Colombian goods—and it took Petro less than an hour to offer his presidential plane to pick up the migrants.

    Other measures include a travel ban on Colombian government officials and their “allies and supporters,” as well as visa sanctions on “all Party Members, Family Members, and Supporters of the Colombia government” Trump announced in a statement.

    “These measures are just the beginning,” Trump said. “We will not allow the Colombia Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!”

    Petro made amends to receive the migrants shortly thereafter, announcing in a statement that he would send his presidential plane.

    “The Government of Colombia, under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged for the presidential plane to facilitate the dignified return of Colombian nationals who were to arrive in the country today in the morning hours, coming from deportation flights,” the statement said…..”

    https://freebeacon.com/trump-administration/trump-slaps-tariffs-on-colombia-after-its-israel-bashing-marxist-president-rejects-us-deportation-flights/

    Liked by 2 people

  36. I am adding a short daily prayer to the board. I would invite each of you, if you wish, to also add one or maybe two of your own liking. I do not want to stifle anyone but please limit yourself to one or two religious postings. here’s one I found that I liked.

    Like

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