Where Do Insects Like Moths And Flies Go In Winter?

You probably noticed that insect activity decreases during December. This is simply because most insects become less active, and some even go into a type of hibernation. But what happens to insects like moths and flies? Do these insects hibernate, or go away during Winter, or what’s the story?

What happens to indoor moths in winter?

You’ll be pleased to know that insects like moths die at the beginning of Winter, despite climate change making things warmer for us. For some people, this may be a tremendous relief. You may think you can finally stop worrying about moths eating your clothing and get some relief from this problem.

Actually, this isn’t true at all. You see, while insects like moths die during winter, they lay numerous eggs before this happens. The average female moth can lay about 100-1000 eggs. These eggs hatch in no time at all and soon turn into caterpillars. What a lot of people still don’t know, is that it’s not the moths that eat your clothing. No, it’s these caterpillars which do the damage. These caterpillars survive the entire winter and can cause enormous damage during this time. They then go into a cocoon and wait for warm weather. This is why you need to watch out for insects like moths during winter. Do not forget about this problem, and make sure to take necessary precautions.

What happens to flies in winter?

With flies, it’s a different story entirely. With these insects it really depends on the environment they live in. Flies who live indoors can easily live through the winter and may come indoors to avoid the cold. What also helps is that their bodies produce a type of antifreeze. This substance is known as glycol, and it’s why you can still get flies during winter.

What they also do is lay their eggs in decaying organic matter. For example, they may lay eggs in fungi, or rotting fruit. These eggs hatch into maggots, which then survive the winter by feeding on this matter. As it decays, the rotting fruit, or fungi also generates heat, and this helps to keep the maggot warm. Eventually, it starts to get warmer, and these maggots will hatch into flies.

What house flies also do is go into a state of suspended animation. This is known as diapause, and it’s almost like a type of hibernation that some seasonal pests use. They can do this for several weeks, or months, and then wake up and go about their business. This is why you often get flies during winter, even though it’s freezing.

Other flies, who live outdoors are not so lucky. These flies usually resort to going into a type of hibernation. They do this by burying themselves 1 – 6 inches below the surface of the ground. It’s warmer these, and this helps them get through the winter.