Do Mosquitoes Go Away in the Winter in Los Angeles?
Mosquitoes slow down in a Los Angeles winter. Warm spells and rain can bring them back. Here is what changes, and the yard habit that keeps going.
November 4, 2026 · The Season Tapers
Do Mosquitoes Go Away in the Winter in Los Angeles?
By the Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District
Do mosquitoes go away in winter? In Southern California, they slow down. Cold nights reduce their activity, and fewer are out in December than in August. Our winters are mild, though, and a warm week or water left standing after rain can get them going again. That is why the weekly yard check keeps going all year. Here is what that means in Compton, North Long Beach and the communities around them.
What happens to mosquitoes in winter in Los Angeles?
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded, so cool nights slow them down. Mosquito season in Southern California tapers over weeks. In Los Angeles County, West Nile virus activity typically runs highest in late summer and early fall, then tapers as the weather cools.
Tapering is gradual. A run of warm days in December or January can bring mosquitoes back out, especially where rain has left water standing.
Where do mosquitoes go in winter?
Different kinds of mosquitoes get through winter in different ways. Some slow down and wait for warmer weather. Others survive as eggs.
Invasive Aedes mosquitoes, the small daytime biters people call ankle biters, are found across Los Angeles County. According to the CDC, their eggs can survive drying out for up to 8 months and can get through a winter in the southern United States. Our November 18 post on mosquito eggs covers how to clear them from containers.
Do mosquitoes bite in winter in Los Angeles?
They can, on warm days and evenings. Fewer are out, and the ones still around bite. The mosquito that spreads West Nile virus in our area feeds from dusk through dawn, and in November dusk falls during the drive home. Invasive Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day.
Use an EPA-registered repellent and follow the label directions whenever you are outside and mosquitoes are around. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is the plant-based option: choose an EPA-registered repellent made with it, not the pure essential oil. It is not recommended for children under three. The EPA's repellent finder can help you choose.
Is West Nile virus still a concern in winter?
The risk drops as activity slows. A few facts are worth keeping all year:
- Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms.
- Serious illness is uncommon. The risk is higher for older adults and people with certain medical conditions.
- It does not spread through casual contact. People usually acquire it from an infected mosquito bite.
Questions about your own health go to your doctor. Questions about mosquitoes where you live come to the District.
What should I do in my yard this winter?
Keep the same habit you used in summer, and add a check after rain.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Once a week | Walk the yard. Empty anything holding water. |
| After it rains | Empty standing water that day. Walk the yard again a few days later. |
| When you put summer gear away | Store pools, coolers, buckets and toys empty, dry and upside down, or under cover. |
| If you have a pool | Keep it treated and the pump running, or keep a tight cover on it. |
Does the District work in winter?
Yes. Through the cooler months, the District inspects properties when residents request service, treats water that cannot be drained, follows up on reports of neglected pools and answers residents' questions. Services are free to residents of the District.
Mosquitoes bothering you at home, or water you cannot fix?
Frequently asked questions
Do cold snaps kill mosquito eggs?
Not reliably. According to the CDC, invasive Aedes eggs can get through a winter in the southern United States, and Southern California winters are mild.
When does mosquito season end in Southern California?
Activity in Los Angeles County typically runs highest in late summer and early fall, then tapers as the weather cools. It can return during warm spells and after rain, so the weekly yard check continues through winter.
How does the yard check change in winter?
It stays weekly. Add a second walk a few days after each rain to catch water that refilled or that you missed.
Can I request a mosquito inspection in winter?
Yes. The District inspects properties on request through the cooler months, at no cost to residents of the District. Request service at comptoncreekmad.org or call (310) 933-5321.
About the District
The Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District is an independent special district formed by Compton residents in 1927, serving Compton, North Long Beach and the unincorporated communities around them. Its services to residents are free: request service online or call (310) 933-5321.