Many species of local ants go into dormancy during the winter. However, they may try to enter your home to find warmth and shelter. There are multiple types of ants in Washington that may come into your home. Ants can contaminate food and cause structural damage to buildings. Sanitation and exclusion can help prevent infestations, but if you are already dealing with one, professional pest control is recommended. 

Pest Control in Puyallup, WA

During warmer months, ants are very active. They can be seen working to expand their nests and foraging for food. But what happens to ants during colder months? It depends on the species. Some types of ants stay active, others go into a dormant stage, and some types may try to move into your home for warmth. Independent Pest Solutions can help you protect your home or business from an infestation this winter. 

Overwintering

In late summer and autumn, ants will shift their diets from more protein-based to more carbohydrate-based. This can help them store energy so they can survive the food scarcity of winter. Gaining weight can help ants survive the harsh cold. 

An interesting fact about some species of ants is that their bodies can produce a kind of natural antifreeze called glycerol. This helps to regulate their body temperature and prevent ice from forming in their bodies. This can protect their tissues from damage during the frigid winter months. 

Most types of ants go dormant during the winter. Their metabolism slows down, and they enter a state called diapause. Their movements become sluggish so that they use less energy. During this time, they don’t eat or drink. It’s not the same as hibernation because they don’t fall into a deep sleep. Instead, they find a place to rest where they won’t freeze to death, such as buried in the soil. Once it gets warmer as spring begins, ants will exit diapause and resume regular activities.

Why do ants come indoors in the winter? 

• Looking for food, such as crumbs, pet food, and more. 
• Searching for water or a source of moisture. 
• Seeking out shelter from the elements. 
• Wanting to establish a permanent colony inside the building. 

Insects are cold-blooded, which means that they need some warmth to survive, even if they are in diapause. This means that they may sneak into your home or business before entering their dormant state. Just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they are not there. Ants can hide in cracks in door and window frames and floorboards. They may also take up residence in cabinets, attics, and inside walls. 

Some types of Washington ants that may move into your home in the winter include:  

• Carpenter Ants – Can be identified by their large mandibles for chewing through wood. They are also larger than many other types of ants in the area. 
• Pavement Ants – They are dark brown, with lighter legs. Their bodies are hairy. 
• Odorous House Ants (also known as sugar ants) are small and dark brown or black. They give off a rotten fruit smell when squished.

What are the dangers of ants in my home?

Although sugar ants don’t usually spread diseases, they can infest and contaminate food in your home. If they break into your pantry, you will have to throw away any food that they got into (unless you enjoy a little extra bug protein in your diet). If you are running a restaurant, sugar ants can be a sanitary issue. Have a pest control professional deal with your sugar ant problem as soon as possible. 

Carpenter ants are an even worse problem. If you have any signs of a carpenter ant infestation, it must be dealt with immediately. Carpenter ants chew through wood and can cause significant damage to homes and buildings. They can damage the structural integrity of support beams. They don’t use the wood as food, but instead use it to create their nests. 

How can I keep ants away? 

There are two main ways to keep ants away: 

1. Sanitation – Clean up spilled drinks and crumbs. Make sure not to leave dishes piled up in the sink. Keep food in airtight containers, and cover up trash cans. Ants may leave if they don’t have a source of sustenance. 
2. Exclusion – Keep ants and other pests from getting into your house or business in the first place. Seal up gaps, holes, and cracks that could let them enter the building. Install door sweeps and keep doors closed when possible.

If you have an ant problem this winter, reach out to Independent Pest Solutions. Our experienced pest control technicians handle pest problems in and around Puyallup with swift, effective methods.
Reach out to our team as soon as possible if you see signs of ant activity in your home. 

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