Several points of view regarding extreme cold and the effect on insect populations are presented below
The Beginning of January 2014 brought us record breaking cold temperatures due to the Polar Vortex dipping southward. Ohio has not experienced these low temperatures for the past two decades.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are studying the cold weather tolerance of the Emerald Ash Borer. Could the extreme cold weather help us with the battle against this invasive pest in Ohio?
Join Dr. Rob Venette of the University of Minnesota as he talks about his research regarding the effects of cold weather on the EAB larvae. January 8, 2014.
Cold hardiness of emerald ash borer and its biological control agents
http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/eab/control_management/cold_hardiness/
Research paper - http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5191794.pdf
Falling Temperatures do not Necessarily Mean Fewer Insects
January 13, 2014 by
http://entomologytoday.org/2014/01/13/falling-temperatures-do-not-necessarily-mean-fewer-insects/