Salt Lake City winters can get pretty chilly. Temperatures tend to drop, sending many animals into hibernation. Ants are usually a part of that list, so why are you finding them inside your home?
The answer is yes. Ants can still be a problem during the winter. You may only think it’s one ant that managed to make its way into your home, but you could be wrong since ants tend to thrive as a community or colony. If you suspect a colony is hiding out somewhere in your home, contact professional pest control in Salt Lake City at Pest Pro Pest Control.
What Happens To Ants In The Winter?
During the warmer months, it’s common to see ants marching across the ground or crawling up tree trunks. Like all outdoor animals, they’re preparing for winter. They do this by assigning worker ants to gather materials that help build sturdy colonies beneath the ground. They work together to dig out a network of tunnels and anthills to lay low in during the colder months. However, the underground isn’t the only place ants seek shelter during the winter.
Some species of ants in Salt Lake City will choose to hibernate on tree trunks, beneath the bark, or inside rotted tree stumps. They fatten up on food during the fall and huddle together for warmth. The male workers will typically surround the queen ant to ensure her survival. They will also work with the queen on populating and expanding the colony.
How Dangerous Is It To Have Ants In The House?
The types of dangers ants cause depend on the type of ant itself. While all types of ants prefer to be outdoors, it’s not uncommon that ants find their way into your Salt Lake City homes for a particular reason. The type of ants that can be found in your home are:
- Carpenter ants: The largest of these ants is the carpenter ant. It’s a type of ant that prefers damp wood to chew through. This can be a problem inside your home as they will cause damage to wooden structures that your house relies on to stand firm.
- Fire ants: Fire ants are known for their burning sting that leaves an itchy, red mark that can often resemble a pimple. Not-so-fun fact about fire ants is that they can also cause shortages in electrical equipment.
- Pavement ants: Pavement ants are the most likely to invade your home. They build their homes beside sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. Because of this proximity, they wander indoors in search of food. However, once an ant touches food, it’s instantly contaminated.
The real danger depends on the number of ants in your home. One or two may not be a big deal, but you won’t know the extent of the ant issue without a professional inspection of your home by a reliable pest control company near you.
Why Would There Be Ants In The House In The Winter?
In a perfect world, there wouldn’t be ants in your home during the winter. Ants prefer the outdoors. However, if a colony is ruined, they rush to seek new locales that will provide all their needs in no time. If your home offers a simple way inside, easy access to food, and the right conditions for ant nests, the whole colony will move right in. Prevent this from happening with these tips:
- Seal up any entry points around the home or property.
- Make sure there are no gaps in windows or doors for ants to crawl through.
- Secure trash, compost, and pet food in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Harvest your garden’s yield.
- Clean up outdoor eating areas.
Go one step further and contact Pest Pro Pest Control for more ant prevention tips.
How Do You Get Rid Of Ants In The Winter?
The surest way to remove ants from your Salt Lake City home during the winter is to call Pest Pro Pest Control. We provide effective home pest control and commercial pest control services to protect Utah residential and commercial properties from insects, rodents, and other pests that threaten to invade your home. For more information about our residential and commercial pest control services in Salt Lake City, contact us today!