WHAT HAPPENS TO ANTS DURING THE WINTER
The most common pest problem of all time, would probably be that of the persistent ant. These dense black colonies can cause a colossal damage to the structural stability of any home or business ownerโs premises โ a guaranteed nightmare after they start digging into wood to securely build their nests. Ants are more likely to invade your home during hot and dry conditions. Throughout intemperate rainfall which may lead to flooding of their colonies, ants will seek dryer foundations. This certainly does not mean they will disappear during the winter.
Where would they migrate to then?
Ants, like many other insects, hibernate during the colder winter months. When their body temperature drops, they become slack and slow moving. It is during the active summer months that colony preparation sets them up for their isolation period. All openings and ant holes are sealed off while tunneling deeper into warmer ground; under rocks and behind the bark of trees. The main ant colony would often be located outside in the yard. More nests could be found inside your home, near the kitchen and bathroom where the walls are warmer.
WHAT HAPPENS TO ANTS DURING THE WINTER
Frosty Foragers
Some ant species will however continue to scavenge outside in colder temperatures during the winter months. Any food supply to them would be like honey to a bee. Algae, moss or spore producing plants are instant attractions to ants. Not only is this a valuable food source, but also a secure hideout. This may lead to the attraction of other ants and more insects, potentially invading your home.
Hiding out Haven
Where most insects tend to hibernate during the colder winter months, ants seek shelter for warmth and safety. They hide away from predators like spiders, flies, beetles and wasps. Ants mine through deeper ground in order to stack away their food supply, as well as interacting with other ants in the colony. This creates a rather stable temperature which guards them for survival against influential elements.
For some predators it is a challenging task to tunnel through frosted ground. This offers them security and warmth in return.
Behind enemy lines
A home is a prime spot to invade when looking for food and shelter, especially for winter on its way. Food crumbs of any sort are gathered and carried across, by tunneling their way through and storing it away. To discourage ants from sharing your home during the colder months, when you least need an infestation, avoid potential attractions for them, particularly food.
These tiny little soldiers have prominent characteristics which places them in the social category โ they have a division of labor between worker and reproductive ants, an overlap of generations and they take care of their young.
Ants are extremely tenacious, determined and masters of cooperation. They are able to detect any food source in short supply as well as finding asylum when there seems to be none. You might not be aware of the small cracks and crevices in your home, giving them easier access to stay for the winter.
Regularly check your walls, the skirting board sections, inside and outside windows, windowsills, screen doors and door sweeps for any traces of ants before they make themselves comfortable in your home.
Avoiding ants
As tiny as ants are, they can cause the most destructive damage to any property of any sort. You may find them blitzing your cupboards, invading your pantry and other food supplies and being a nuisance when seeking space. Carpenter ants may even damage the building foundation and affect the stability of the home. It is extremely difficult to get rid of them on your own.
Call Sydneys Best Pest Control on 1300 760ย 045 for a free quote before securing your booking with us. We have a team of successful and professional technicians who will assist you in the best possible treatment plan.
Donโt delay. Do it today!
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