Why do I have ants in my house during winter?  If you are suffering from “winter ants”, you are not alone…  The freezing temperatures of the winter usually make ants stagnant unless they have a warm option.

Do Ants Hibernate During The Winter?

Cold-blooded insects, such as ants, usually enter a hibernation state during the winter. The actual process of these ants hinges upon ant species. Snow ants rely on their surroundings for the regulation of their body temperature.  Ants will slow down when temperatures dip down below 52 degrees Fahrenheit. For more information, check out this video about ants hibernating.

Where Do Ants Go?

Ants instinctually gravitate towards heat. So where do ants go in the winter? Do these ants die in the winter? This means during the cold seasons, some species of ants will delve down several feet underground to avoid frozen topsoil.  Other species will leverage the power of the daylight sun. They construct nests beneath sun-warmed grass clippings, leaves, and rocks.

Ants under the leaf

Why Are Ants Attracted To My Home?

Most homeowners who suffer from ants during the cold season have a few structural commonalities.  These structures are usually built on a slab of concrete (no basement) and/ or have heated flooring.  Ants are attracted to heat.  Ants during colds become stagnant unless they have the option to stay active in a warm environment. 

When Do Ants Go Away for Winter?

As the weather changes over to the colder months, ants will begin tunneling down several feet into the ground to hibernate.  They will direct their digging toward the warmest soil.  As they dig, they will feel the warmth illuminating the “concrete slab” of the structure.  Then the ants will sense heat coming from a crack or crevice in the foundation.  The colony will begin venturing up through the crevice and into your home.  These ants will now have a heated environment & food with no need to sleep during cold weather. For a reliable and best ant control, give us a call today at (815) 2157211 or fill out the contact form of A.N.T. Pest Control.

Cement cracks where ants usually came from

A.N.T. Pest Control is a licensed, certified, and insured company. We serve New Lenox, Manhattan, Joliet, Frankfort, Mokena, Tinley Park, Orland Park, and the surrounding suburbs.     

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1200 S Cedar Rd #2D/E
New Lenox, IL 60451

815.215.7211

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