Small Ants in the house.
Monday, February 24, 2025 8:00 AM
Small Ants in the Winter?
You’re familiar with seeing ants scurrying around your patio or driveway, their ant hills protruding from your grass, and even ants marching in a trail toward your pantry during warm months. But what happens to ants during the winter?
In the winter, most ants enter hibernation mode. Their body temperatures drop, and they become sluggish. To prepare for the cold season, they seal up their ant holes and burrow into warmer ground or behind tree bark.
Unlike humans, ants can survive for extended periods without food. In the fall, they consume a significant amount of food to fatten up and prepare for winter. They huddle together in groups to stay warm and protect the queen during hibernation.
If you spot ants outdoors during the winter, it’s likely due to a warm spell that lured them out in search of food. Once the temperatures drop again, they will return to hibernation.
If you see ants indoors during the winter, it suggests that they’ve established a colony somewhere within your home. While they won’t venture indoors from outside during the winter, they will remain active if they’re already present.
Ants in your home at any time of the year can be a nuisance, but ants in the winter pose a significantly greater problem. Having an ant colony infest your walls, attic, basement, or even pantry can cause damage to your family and home. At the very least, ants can invade your pantry and spoil your food. In severe cases, certain ants, such as carpenter ants, can even cause structural damage.
We understand that dealing with ant problems can be frustrating, and we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (260) 747-9772.