According to homeowners, the presence of ant infestation is only common during the summer season. But what if you notice long trails during the winter months? This sounds terrible, but that’s the reality! Not all, but certain species of ants are commonly seen indoors during the cold winter. They seek warm shelter spots to survive the outdoor freezing temperature. But, ignoring the small infestation of insects can cause major problems in the form of structural and health risks. This is when you must consider following commercial ant control measures to stop the infestation from growing.

Commercial Ant Control: Structural And Health Risks

If you think ant infestation is just a dirty nuisance in your house, you need to rethink it. They can cause severe damage not just to your property but even to your health. Carpenter ants, for instance, generally tunnel through wood, damaging the structural valuables of property. On the contrary, odorous ants might not directly damage the house, but they severely contaminate surfaces and food. This poses a huge risk to hygiene.

Thus, the sheer persistence of ants is another major factor which makes it challenging to perform ant removal Surrey. They communicate through chemical trails, making it easy to locate food sources or alert the rest of the colonies. Such a coordinated effort among them can give rise to larger infestations if not addressed at the right time. Remember that ignoring the pest problem can cause a full-blown invasion, after which colonies become more active.

Ant Behaviour in Winter: Why They Move Indoors

Imagine seeing a group of tiny ants clustering around a clear plastic cup on a white countertop. This shows how quickly they can get attracted to drink and food residues indoors. They have an incredible adaptable quality, making them easy to survive in all seasons. Some people say they disappear during winter, but in reality they are very active and alive. Generally, ants protect themselves in warm environments or retreat deeper into the soil to escape cold temperatures. Nevertheless, as natural resources become scarce or the ground gardens, they start exploring food sources or shelter options. This is when your home becomes their favourite spot.

Moisture, food, and warmth are three major attractants allowing ants to draw indoors during winter. Once inside, they establish nests in common locations, which can be behind kitchen cabinets, crawl spaces and walls. Unlike the summer season, they work steadily and quickly during winter. This makes proper ant removal Abbotsford difficult.

Why February Sees Increased Activity?

February is a pivotal month for ant colonies. By this time, the initial survival mode they adopted during the onset of winter begins to shift toward preparation for the warmer months. Indoor colonies that were silent during the December and January months will grow more and are quite noticeable. Meanwhile, during February, there is a certain fluctuation in temperature, causing insects to move out of their colony in search of food sources. The kitchen area is their favourite hotspot due to the abundance of water access, spills and food crumbs. Even condensation near plumbing or small leaks is enough for them to survive through the harshest months. Even if you notice a small presence of trails, hiring professional services of ant control Langley can help you to eliminate them for long-term.

The Types of Ants Found Indoors in Winter

Not all, but specific ant species are active during the cold winter months. The most common culprits are pavement, carpenter and odorous species. Odors are attracted to sugary and sweet substances. Their presence is common in food storage areas or trailing along countertops. Carpenter species are often seen taking up the wooden structures. Pavement ants are typically noticed near heat sources or nest in foundation cracks. Identifying the species can help determine which ant control treatment can show long-term results. Each species has unique nesting habits and behaviour, making professional inspection for ant control Maple Ridge essential.

Preventive Measures To Avoid Infestation During Winter

Sealing All Entry Points

  •       For the ant removal Vancouver, inspect the house door frames, windows and walls for cracks, holes, or gaps.
  •   Use weather stripping or caulk to seal all tiny gaps.
  •   To block pest entry, install door sweeps.
  •   Check the utility pipes and seal all kinds of openings.
  •   Repair all damaged screens on vents and windows.

Keep Your Home Clean

  •   Wipe down all dining areas and kitchen counters to remove extra food crumbs.
  •   Mop and sweep floors to remove spills.
  •   Store extra food in airtight containers.
  •   Remove trash regularly and always use sealed bins.
  •   Avoid leaving any dirty dishes out in the sink overnight.

Eliminating Water Sources or Moisture

  •   To eliminate moisture, fix all faucets and leaking pipes.
  •   Use dehumidifiers in bathrooms and basements.
  •   Ensure proper ventilation is maintained in damp or moist areas.
  •   Wipe down all wet surfaces in bathroom and kitchen areas.
  •   Keep your pet food bowls away to avoid common insect trails.

Store Firewood Away from the Home

  •   Keep the firewood at a maximum distance of 20 feet away.
  •   Stack the wood off the ground to avoid nesting.
  •   Inspect all logs before you bring them indoors.
  •   Store wood in warm, dry places to avoid insect presence.
  •   Avoid placing the firewood near entry points or walls.

FAQs

Why do ants invade homes during winter?

All kinds of pests, including ants, seek into the house for food, moisture and warmth. They draw indoors when the outdoor cold gets unbearable so they can survive easily.

What types of species are found in homes during winter?

During the colder winter months, species like odorous and carpenter ants are commonly seen inside homes.

How do I prevent these insects from entering my home?

The best approach to quick ant control is sealing cracks or gaps. Storing the food properly is very important. Maintain proper cleanliness and eliminate the moisture sources to reduce infestation.

Do they hibernate in winter, or do they stay active indoors?

Most of the outdoor ants hibernate or slow down. However, the indoor infestation stays active due to food access and a warm environment.

What to do if I am unable to handle severe infestations alone?

If the infestation is hard to handle, hiring professional services, i.e. ASM Pest Control, is the best approach. They focus on applying effective treatments for long-term prevention.

Take Action Today and Avoid Ant Infestations in Winter

Finding just a few ants roaming around on kitchen shelves is easy to handle, but what if they are found in a huge population? Don’t worry. ASM Pest Control is right here to eliminate these tiny insects and free your house from their infestation. We use eco-friendly treatments to quickly control ants, and our main focus is to permanently remove their trails as well. Believe in our professional services and hire our team to kick these pesky insects out of your house.