Diapause-and other winter insect survival strategies.
Diapause is an inactive state when animals do not develop any further. Some insects use diapause to overwinter in cold climates. Insects also burrow down to shelter out of the way of wind, cold temperatures and other weather. Grubs and termites underground stay just below the frostline, yellowjacket and ant queens are under bark, logs and rocks. Ladybugs and cluster flies are aggregated in groups in tight spaces like cracks in rocks or cracks in trees or in window frames or other components of your home. In addition, many insects, such as ants, produce alcohols that act as antifreeze allowing them to survive temperatures below freezing. As temperatures, humidity and sunlight all increase in the spring insects will start to venture out of their winter shelters to find food sources.