The last thing on people's minds during the winter is mosquitoes. In fact, most people think that mosquitoes just disappear this time of year. The truth is that mosquitoes can be found year round in Marin and Sonoma counties, and there is even one whose common name is the winter mosquito.

So much for wishful thinking.

The two counties covered by the District have 23 species of mosquitoes, all of which are unique in their own way. Not only do they prefer different types of water sources to lay their eggs, some prefer to feed on different hosts.

While there are a few species of mosquitoes that can be quite active during the winter, most enter a state of hibernation. The correct scientific term is diapause- an altered physiological state in which certain activities such as blood-feeding, ovarian development, or flying are suspended. Diapause is often triggered by shortened days or low temperatures, and terminated by lengthened days or warm temperatures.

Don't let this dissuade you from being proactive during the winter months. Continue to check around your property for containers holding water and Flip it, Dump it, Drain it!