Ant exterminator services are essential during the winter when ants invade homes for warmth, food, and water. While many pests hibernate in cold weather, ants remain active and often go indoors, causing unwanted infestations. In this blog, we’ll explore why ants are drawn to your home in winter, how to handle an infestation when it occurs, and when it’s time to call in a professional ant exterminator at HonorGuard. We’ll also walk you through the ant extermination process and share tips for preventing future ant problems. With the right approach, you can protect your home and ensure it’s free from these pesky winter invaders.
Why Do Ants Infest Homes in Winter?
Ants are resilient creatures that have adapted to survive in almost any environment, including cold weather. During winter, ants look for warmth, food, and moisture, often easier to find inside your home than outdoors. While the ants you see during winter are usually the same species that invade in warmer months, their behavior changes as the temperature drops. Instead of foraging outdoors, ants search for shelter and food indoors.
Seeking Shelter and Warmth
Ants, especially species like carpenter ants and odorous house ants, are attracted to the warmth of your home. When outdoor temperatures drop, these ants seek refuge in the cracks and crevices of your home’s foundation, walls, and appliances. The warmth of your house offers them the perfect place to nest and survive the winter. A warm home provides a safe environment for the queen to have the ideal place to lay eggs for the colony to grow.
Searching for Food and Water
In winter, food sources outdoors become scarce. As a result, ants invade homes in search of food and water. Kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms provide endless food crumbs, spilled liquids, and moisture. Even the smallest crumb or drop of water can attract ants into your home. If ants find a dependable food source, they will quickly establish a trail that leads to an infestation.
Reproduction and Nesting Indoors
Carpenter ants are particularly drawn to the warmth and moisture typically found in homes. Walls and insulation are perfect places to infest because ants usually nest in wood. Ants are known to cause considerable damage to a home’s structure over time, making indoor nesting a considerable concern. Ants reproduce quickly With a consistent food source and a secure nesting spot. Early intervention is critical to preventing a small problem from turning into a full-blown infestation.
What to Do When You Notice an Ant Infestation
Once ants enter your home during the winter, immediate action is essential to prevent the problem from escalating. As the season progresses, ants can quickly establish nests and colonies that grow larger and harder to control. If you notice an ant infestation, here are some things you can do before calling an exterminator:
Clean Up
The first measure to stop an ant infestation before it starts is cleanliness. Ants are opportunistic and will find even the smallest crumbs or spills. Be sure to clean countertops, floors, and shelves regularly. Don’t forget to wipe down surfaces where food is prepared and check for any food or liquid spills in hidden areas. Remove food scraps, and store all food in sealed containers. Ants are less likely to be drawn to a clean and clutter-free home.
Seal Entry Points
Even minor cracks or gaps allow ants to enter doors, windows, or walls. Carefully check the exterior of your home for any openings, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Pay special attention to areas around plumbing, windows, and doors, as ants often travel along pipes or use these gaps as entryways. Sealing potential entry points can help prevent ants from getting inside in the first place.
Set Ant Baits
Ant baits are a valuable tool for reducing ant populations inside your home. Ants are attracted to these baits, which contain a gradual poison they bring back to the colony. The bait will kill the worker ants and eventually reach the queen, helping to eliminate the entire colony. While baits are helpful, they are not a substitute for professional extermination if the infestation worsens.
When to Call an Ant Exterminator
If the infestation persists or gets worse despite your efforts, it’s time to call in a professional ant exterminator at HonorGuard. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to reach out for professional help:
Continued Ant Activity
The infestation is likely more extensive if you continue to see ants, even after cleaning and sealing entry points. Ants are social insects; when one or two are spotted, they often indicate a much larger colony nearby. If you notice ants regularly marching through your kitchen or bathroom, or if they appear in large numbers, it’s time to call an ant exterminator.
Visible Nests or Trails
If you can see ant nests or active trails, especially near walls, windows, or floors, this indicates a severe infestation. Ants often leave trails of pheromones that other ants follow. The longer these trails persist, the more established the colony becomes. An exterminator can locate and eliminate these nests to prevent further spread.
Damage to Property
Carpenter ants are an ant species that can damage your home’s structure. Because they nest in wood, they can inflict severe structural damage as time passes. When ants nest in your home, you may notice wood shavings or your wrestling inside your walls. If you experience this, contact an exterminator immediately to avoid future damage.
The Ant Extermination Process
Inspection
The exterminator will first inspect your home to identify the ant species and their nesting locations. They will examine trails, nests, and entry points to determine the extent of the infestation. This detailed inspection allows them to locate hidden nests that are often difficult for homeowners to spot. Depending on the severity of the infestation, the exterminator may also ask about the history of your pest problems to plan the most effective treatment.
Treatment
Once the inspection is complete, the exterminator will apply targeted treatments to eliminate the ants. This may include baiting, spraying, or dusting in areas where ants are active. If carpenter ants or other wood-dwelling species are present, the exterminator may also treat the wooden structures where ants nest. For instance, baits are typically used to lure ants to the poison, while sprays may target the most active areas. The exterminator will use eco-friendly, non-toxic methods to ensure your home remains safe after treatment.
Follow-Up Visits
Ants are persistent, and it may take multiple treatments to eliminate an infestation. After the initial treatment, the exterminator will return for follow-up visits to ensure that all ants have been eradicated. During these visits, they may reapply for treatments or check for any remaining nests in the surrounding area. The exterminators at HonorGuard will make adjustments if necessary to help your home. These visits help prevent reinfestation and ensure that the colony is wholly eradicated.
How to Prevent Future Ant Infestations
Maintain Cleanliness
Continue to clean regularly and store food in sealed containers. Make sure that food crumbs and spills are wiped up immediately. Ants are less likely to invade a clean and well-maintained home. Regularly cleaning areas like the trash cans and pet bowls where food accumulates is essential. Vacuum the floors and under appliances where crumbs spill and hide and inhibit a food source for ants to find.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Inspect your home frequently for new gaps near windows or cracks near doors that might serve as entry points for ants. Seal them promptly to prevent future invasions. Sealing cracks and gaps not only helps to keep ants out but also keeps other pests from entering your home. If you find huge gaps or holes, consider using weatherstripping or caulking to create a tight seal. This can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency by preventing drafts in the winter months.
Landscaping Maintenance
Maintaining the landscape around your home is essential to deter ants from building nests near your home’s foundation. Prune trees, shrubs, and plants in contact with your house to make it more difficult for ants to access your home. Removing debris like leaves and wood piles that can serve as ant nesting sites makes future inspections easier. Inspect the outside of your home regularly for signs of ants activity, especially during the warmer months when ants are more active.
Use Preventive Treatments
If you live in an area prone to ant infestations, consider using preventive ant baits or sprays around your home’s perimeter. These treatments can deter ants from entering in the first place. Applying a perimeter treatment around the exterior of your home, particularly around entry points like doors and windows, will create a barrier to keep ants out. Preventive treatments can be reapplied every few months to maintain protection. If you are uncertain which product to use, ask a professional ant exterminator for recommendations tailored to your home and location.
Conclusion
Ant infestations in winter can be a frustrating problem for homeowners, but they are manageable with the right approach. You can keep your home ant-free by understanding why ants invade during the colder months, knowing when to call an HonorGuard professional ant exterminator, and following preventive measures. If persistent infestations are an issue you’re experiencing, don’t hesitate to contact an expert to eliminate the problem and protect your home. Taking proper precautions and addressing issues quickly ensures an ant-free winter.
Contact a professional ant exterminator today for a thorough inspection and an effective treatment plan. With the right help, you can quickly eliminate ants and prevent future infestations, keeping your home safe and pest-free all winter. Contact HonorGuard now to schedule your appointment!