Why am I getting ants in the winter?

Ants are most active in the winter, when temperatures are between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep warm, they form colonies beneath rocks or piles of leaves and debris, and construct mounds complete with tunnels. Weather conditions in their immediate environment influence their body temperature, and if they can't rely on their outdoor nests, they may bring the swarm indoors in search of shelter, warmth, food, and water. Ant infestations can be prevented by cleaning up crumbs and spills, storing food in airtight containers, repairing leaking faucets, spigots, and pipes, and sealing any gaps, cracks, or openings in the exterior.

Ants marching into the house with an ant egg.

You're not alone if you associate ants with summer; the pests are commonly associated with ruined picnics, pillaged pantries, and ant swarms around your trash cans. However, ants can be found inside your home during the winter. During the warmer months, you may see them on your deck or in your garden, but as the temperature drops, they frequently head indoors.

Do ants go into hibernation?

Ants are most active when temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep warm during the fall and winter, these bugs form colonies beneath rocks or piles of leaves and debris. Another method for avoiding the chill is to construct mounds complete with tunnels. If an ant colony's scouts discover your home's warm shelter and food sources, it won't be long before you notice ants in the attic or other parts of your home.

Why do ants enter the house?

Weather conditions in ants' immediate environment influence their body temperature. If they can't rely on their outdoor nests for protection, or if a brief warm spell in the winter tempts them out of hiding, they may bring the swarm indoors in search of shelter, warmth, food, and water.

What do ants do during the winter?

Once inside, these insects seek out warm places to nest. As a result, you might find ants in the attic or one of these other cozy nooks and crannies:

Internal partitions

Floors beneath them

Cabinets on the inside

In the frames of windows or doors

tucked away in your appliances

The kitchen, of course, is a hotspot, especially if family members don't always clean up after themselves. Outside, the pests may be found near your home's foundation or nesting beneath a pile of leaves or debris.

Preventing Ant Infestations

While your warm, comfortable home will always be appealing to ants and other pests, there are several things you can do to keep them out. These tips will only work if the entire household follows them, so make every effort to get everyone on board.

Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.

Garbage should be placed in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

All food should be stored in airtight containers or in the refrigerator.

Repair all leaking faucets, spigots, and pipes right away.

Seal any gaps, cracks, or other openings in the exterior of your home.

Pet food should be stored in a tightly sealed container; if you feed your pets outside, bring their bowls inside right away.