Are Carpenter Ants Active During the Winter?

Ant season peaks in the spring and summertime, with these pests oftentimes finding their way inside your home. But did you know that carpenter ants remain active throughout the year? In return, they can cause damage to your home and infest.

Carpenter ants will nest in damaged wood, usually softwood damaged from water. Carpenter ant damage includes excavating wood to expand their nests, often making holes throughout exposed wood. If these ants are found inside, it is also an indication that there is a water issue, such as a leak.

While these ants are most active in the spring and summer, they are also known to infest homes during the winter months, as well. They will forage for food and water, looking for proteins, fats, and sugars. Once inside, these ants will look for a moist environment to help them survive. They can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, pipes, and roof vents.

While carpenter ants do not die off in the winter months, they will instead become dormant when the temperatures drop. This usually depends on where they have built their nests and how much the temperature has dropped. If they have already found themselves inside, they will remain active or revive from their dormant state once the heat from the house has risen.

To prevent ants from entering your home this fall and winter, consider placing these preventative measures throughout your house,

• Eliminate moisture using a dehumidifier in crawl spaces, basements, and attics to help with dampness.
• Trim your tree branches and shrubs away from your home to eliminate access points.
• Check around your property and seal any gaps or holes with caulk.
• Reach out to your local pest control company to provide you with the best prevention and treatment options.