As winter months enter Maryland, insect populations naturally dwindle. However, in several cases, you may find that pests you were dealing with last fall return in the spring as if they never left.
Ants are notorious for returning to the same nests every year, leaving many homeowners frustrated as the warm weather returns.
Understanding how ants survive the winter is key to stopping them from returning the following year.
While ants don’t hibernate like warm-blooded animals, ants do have strategies to help them survive the winter months.
Knowing those strategies is one of the first steps to avoiding infestations year-round and implementing proper ant control.
What Is True Hibernation vs. Ant Dormancy?
Many animals, like bears and bats, hibernate to survive the winter.
This is a period of complete inactivity where the animal’s metabolism slows as they go into a sleep-like state to conserve energy until the warm weather returns.
Ants and other insects do reduce activity during the colder months, but not quite to the extent of hibernation.
Ants go into a state of diapause, which is a period of slowed activity or dormancy. This is triggered by environmental changes such as shorter days and cooler temperatures.
While not true hibernation, it’s very similar in that it helps them survive the colder time of year.
How Ants Survive The Winter Months In Maryland
Like animals that go into hibernation, the behavior pattern of ants changes as the winter months approach. The specifics of what they do can vary by species and the resources they have available to them.
All ant colonies will slow down if they go into diapause. The queen ant stops laying eggs, the worker ants scale back activity, and food consumption is reduced.
Many species go deep underground to hide from the freeze, while others will hide in trees or deep logs. If they can hide in your warm home, they will.
This is possible for any ant species, but it is particularly common for carpenter ants that are attracted to the wood in your house.
When Do Ants Become Active Again?
Like any other animal that goes into hibernation or diapause, ants return to their normal activity when winter passes. As the days grow longer, temperatures rise, and food sources return, they get right back to it.
Before you know it, the colonies are booming just as they were the year before, and the year before that.
Ants will typically become active again when temperatures consistently reach above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
At this point, the queen ant will begin laying eggs again, workers resume foraging, and colonies begin expanding rapidly.
Why You Might Still See Ants In Winter
Just because ants go into a state of dormancy and activity is reduced during the winter doesn’t mean you won’t see them during that time of year.
Our homes defy nature because they remain warm and contain plenty of food sources throughout the cold seasons.
Naturally, some ants will take advantage of that, leading to overwintering in your walls or any warm enclosures.
While rare, you still might spot the occasional carpenter ant searching for food when temperatures peak throughout the winter season.
How to Prevent an Ant Infestation After Winter
When the temperatures become consistently warm, ants will return to their normal activity. That means previous infestations can come back full-swing, if not magnified as the colony rapidly grows.
If ants are a common issue for your home, you shouldn’t wait for spring to come back around to deal with them. Instead, you should practice the following ahead of time:
1. Seal Entry Points
Ants can and will make their way through tiny openings when spring returns. Check for any cracks or openings that ants can get through and seal them.
They’re typically found along doors, windows, and the foundation.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
Ants want to be in your home for the food. Don’t give them the opportunity to forage with ease.
Make sure to seal food containers and keep the surfaces throughout your home clean and free of crumbs and other food remnants.
3. Address Moisture Issues
Carpenter ants are attracted to damp wood. Go around your home and fix any leaks or openings that expose the wooden parts of your home to water.
A dehumidifier can be a very useful tool to reduce moisture.
4. Trim Vegetation & Tree Bark Contact
Tree limbs and other vegetation that come in contact with your home essentially act as bridges for ants to access it. Take the time to trim back any bushes, shrubs, or trees that invite ants into your house.
By understanding what attracts ants to your home and where they dwell during the winter, you can eliminate colonies before they arise in the spring.
In addition to these preventative measures, be sure to practice essential fall pest control tips to keep your home bug-free for the winter and early spring.
FAQs: Quick Answers About Ants in Winter
Do ants die in winter?
While the cold weather and lack of food can cause issues for ants, winter generally doesn’t kill them. They enter into a state of dormancy to survive the cold months.
Can ants survive freezing temperatures?
Exposure to freezing temperatures will kill ants. They build their nests or colonies deep below the surface to shield them from it during the cold seasons.
Should I worry about ants in winter?
Generally, the likelihood of an ant infestation is reduced in the winter, but it’s not impossible. Some species, like carpenter ants, may make nests in your home that allow them to thrive year-round.
How do ants regulate their body temperature in cold weather?
Ants are cold-blooded and can’t independently regulate their body temperatures like other animals. Instead, they rely on environmental insulation and cluster together for warmth.