Ant Habits During the Winter

During the summer, ants can be a real problem in Oklahoma. Our climate suits them so well they are among the most troublesome pest seen in the area. However, when the weather begins to turn cold, ants seemingly disappear until warmer days’ return. What happens to all these ants during this period?

Ants are an overwintering insect, meaning they wait out the season in some protected setting. As cold temperatures begin to arrive, ants will react sluggishly because their body temperature is also dropping. In response, ants will begin to seek out warm shelters deep within the soil, under rocks and inside the bark of trees.

Because ants form colonies, it makes sense they would band together to make it through the winter. In most cases, ants will form clusters to exchange and maintain body heat between them. Often they will form a protective barrier around the queen to ensure the continued reproduction of their colony when the warmth returns.

During the fall ants will begin consuming large amounts of food to gain vital body fat. Not only will this give extra warmth, it will sustain them while overwintering without the need to hunt for food. During this dormant period, the ants will be sustained by the previously stored nutrients taken in during the autumn months.

When spring arrives and the warmth comes with it, ants will emerge from their overwintering state to seek out food. Once the food is found, the seekers will eat then return to the colony while marking their path. This process helps lead the rest of the colony to the food source for relocation to the colony.

By understanding the process by which ants survive the winter months, homeowners can be better prepared to deal with them during the spring months. Though it may already be too late to prevent ants from overwintering in your walls, preparing for their emergence can avoid potential infestations during the spring.

At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too. If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form. Our service areas in Northeast Oklahoma include Bixby, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Owasso, Jenks, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Skiatook, Stillwater, Tulsa and the surrounding areas. In Central Oklahoma, we service Edmond, Moore, Oklahoma City, Yukon and the surrounding areas. You can also connect with us on social media for more helpful pest control tips and information. We are on Facebook and Google+.