You can expect that winter will be the season when homeowners will stop worrying about pest issues, but it is not always so. Ants do not vanish when the temperatures are low. Rather, they go in to find warmth, food, and shelter. This makes it even more important to know how to Get Rid of Ants in Winter before a minor problem turns into a full infestation. In the colder seasons, ants are not seen on the outside, but rather in the walls, kitchens, basements, and crawl spaces, where they will be more active.
Why Ants Are a Problem During Winter Months
The first step to successful treatment is understanding the nature of the behavior of the ants during winter. Most of the ant species in cold conditions are in a semi-hibernation condition known as diapause. They become less active, lie deep in nests, and wait till it becomes warmer. They, however, remain active when they get hot places within homes. Pavement ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants are typical winter invaders. They do not require huge openings in order to enter. They can enter through small cracks in the foundations, cracks around the windows, improperly sealed doors, plumbing, and electric lines.
Identifying Indoor Ant Infestations and Hidden Nests
Ant behavior in the winter when there is indoor activity is a common indication that there might be a colony that is concealed in your house. Carpenter ants are particularly alarming as they can construct a nest in a building made of wood and destabilize it with time. Indeed, you may not hear them, but you may hear slight rustlings in walls or very small pieces of wood shavings around baseboards, windows, or door jambs. On the contrary, pavement ants seek food in kitchens. They rummage through sinks, cupboards, dishwashers, and pet food places, particularly when there is moisture.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Winter Effectively
To Get Rid of Ants in Winter effectively, homeowners need to focus on both immediate removal and long-term prevention. Simply spraying the ants you see will not solve the problem because it does not reach the colony. In winter, colonies may be hidden in wall voids, insulation, attics, or under floors. Professional ant control burnaby often target the colony directly using baiting systems, non-repellent treatments, and sealing entry points. Baits work especially well because active ants carry them back to the nest, eliminating the entire colony over time.
Winter Prevention Tips to Reduce Ant Entry and Nesting
Prevention plays a major role during winter ant control. Ants only invade when they can find food, moisture, and warmth. Make sure to keep kitchen surfaces clean, store food in sealed containers, wipe spills immediately, and fix any leaking pipes or faucets. Wash recyclables before storing them. Storing firewood indoors can also invite ants, especially carpenter ants, if the wood is damp or contains decayed material. Keeping firewood outside and off the ground helps reduce nesting risks.
How Entry Points and Moisture Issues Attract Ants
Inspecting your home’s exterior before winter arrives is another useful step. Look for cracks in walls, gaps near window frames, foundation openings, and damaged weather stripping. Seal these entry points to reduce access. Even in freezing temperatures, pavement ants can enter through tiny holes in the foundation and build nests near heated floors. Proper insulation, sealing, and moisture control inside basements and crawl spaces help limit ant survival.
Spotting the Difference Between Minor and Severe Infestations
Understanding the difference between surface sightings and full infestations can help homeowners take the right action. If you see only a few ants occasionally, they might be foraging from an exterior nest. But if you see ant trails, wood shavings, damaged trim, or hear rustling inside walls, it is likely an indoor colony. In those cases, treatment needs to be more strategic and thorough.
Take Proactive Action Before Winter Ant Problems Get Worse
In winter, homeowners tend to overlook ant problems because they assume pest activity is mostly a summer concern. Unfortunately, this mindset can lead to extensive damage by the time spring arrives. The best way to Get Rid of Ants in Winter is by staying proactive, inspecting regularly, sealing entry points, removing food sources, and using targeted professional treatments when needed.
Taking preventive actions now can help protect your home before ants become a bigger problem. With ASM Pest Exterminator’s winter strategies, you can keep your home safe, clean, and protected from ant infestations all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ants active in Canadian homes during winter?
Yes. Even though outdoor colonies slow down during cold months, indoor ant activity is common, especially when homes provide warmth, moisture, and food sources.
What are the signs of carpenter ants in winter?
Carpenter ants leave behind fine sawdust-like material, create rustling sounds inside walls, and sometimes appear near windows, bathrooms, or wooden structures.
Can I use store-bought sprays to remove ants in winter?
Sprays may kill visible ants, but do not eliminate the colony. Baits and professional treatment are more effective during winter because they target hidden nests.
Why do ants enter homes in winter?
Ants move indoors to escape freezing temperatures and look for moisture, warmth, and food. Winter conditions inside homes allow them to stay active.
How can I prevent ants from returning after treatment?
Keep food sealed, clean up spills, fix moisture issues, seal cracks, and schedule regular inspections to reduce the chances of recurring infestations.
