Don't Count Ants Out in Winter

Ants are an expected nuisance during outdoor summer picnics, barefoot walks in the grass, and the accidental lawnmower-over-an-ant hill incident, but where do ants go in the winter? And why could it be a serious problem if you see ants in your home in the winter time?

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Outdoor winter ants aren't bothersome

Like most of us, ants generally become sluggish in the winter. They close up shop in their ant hills and burrow into a warm spot below ground or behind tree bark. They've eaten enough during the fall to become dormant and hibernate in groups to stay warm, and will remain in an inactive state until the weather warms up again.

Winter warm spells can cause ant activity

It's not uncommon for winters in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina to have spells of warm weather. A few unseasonably warm days in a row can cause ants to become active and look for food. Generally, ants will find a food source outside and will return to dormancy once the winter weather returns.

However, indoor ant activity any time during the winter could mean serious problems for a homeowner.

Indoor ants in your home could indicate an ant infestation

If ants show up in your home during the cold winter months, this usually means they've found a warm, comfortable spot to create a permanent residence. Even if you only see one or two, there are dozens of places where ants love to hide and reproduce, whether it's within walls, inside floors, or behind cabinets.

Ants thrive around a food source

As long as they have crumbs in crevices to snack on, food bits on floors to feast on, and even scraps of leftover pet food to nibble on, ants will be nearly impossible to get rid of. Keeping all surfaces clean and free of any ant food source is a first step in eliminating an ant infestation.

However, almost always, further action is needed to fully resolve an ant infestation.

Time to form a plan of action for ant elimination

Though pesky, ant infestations in any season are entirely treatable. If you suspect any sign of a winter ant problem, Thompson Brothers Extermination and Waterproofing will eliminate any ant issues in your home and will continue regular treatments to ensure no re-infestation.

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