When we get an unusually cold snap here on the coast it may be tough on plants, but not necessarily on insects, as most can survive even record cold temperatures. Insects have developed tactics for surviving even in the chilliest of temperatures by hibernating in protected areas, be it underground or in your house. Another term for their response to extreme cold is diapause, where the insects cease to feed, develop, or reproduce. During a real cold snap in winter, the temperatures we experience is not enough to have any sort of real impact on our insect populations. Temperatures need to be below -24 degrees Celsius for at least two weeks to kill off most insects and their colonies. Insect needs are the same as ours: food, water, a roof over your head and tolerable temperatures. For insects the number one need for survival is water: without water their bodies will not function, as well, water promotes the growth of fungi and bacteria that many insects feed on. So a simple solution to limiting insects in your home is to reduce available water: fix leaky faucets, dripping water lines, leaky roofs and keep the gutters clean.
