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In November, the weather in Middle Tennessee can be a bit unpredictable. A beautiful, warm day can be followed by a cold snap, just to return to mild temperatures a few days later. Because it’s cooler than it was a month or two ago, a lot of homeowners assume that pest activity will slow down or even stop in November, but this isn’t always the case. When it comes to ant activity, you may be surprised to find out that they can stay active far longer than you’d think. Find out what contributes to ant activity in November and what you can do to keep these pests out of your house.
Why Tennessee's Climate Keeps Ants Active
Compared to many states further north, Tennessee’s falls are quite mild. It certainly gets cooler than it was in the summer, which is a wonderful reprieve for those of us who prefer less heat and humidity, but it can still be fairly warm outside.
Mild temperatures allow ants to remain active outside longer than in other parts of the country. They will forage for food to prepare for winter for as long as they’re able and the weather cooperates. It’s not until it gets quite cold later in December that outdoor ant activity stops.
Ants that have gotten indoors will also remain active through November. In fact, if an ant colony has moved into your house, they won’t just stay active while the fall weather is mild; they’ll stay active through the entire winter. Your climate-controlled home provides the conditions ants need to stay active.
Common Ant Species Still Active in November
Which ants are you most likely to see moving around outside or crawling on your countertops this November? These three species are all still active in November:
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Odorous house ants trail into kitchens searching for food and moisture at this time of year.
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Pavement ants nest near foundations and move indoors as temperatures drop.
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Carpenter ants tunnel through wood structures, regardless of the season.
How Indoor Colonies Differ From Outdoor Colonies
Ants that nest outdoors will go into a dormant state during winter. They go into the deepest parts of their nests where it’s warmest, their metabolism slows, and they wait out the winter until temperatures warm back up in the spring.
Ants that nest indoors have a very different experience in the winter. They do not need to become dormant because all of their needs are being met inside. They have a warm shelter and a steady food and water source. Ants that nest indoors may be found in wall voids, cabinets, in, under, or behind electrical equipment, and in other protected areas of your home. These ants are also able to continue to reproduce throughout the year while in your house.
What Attracts Ants to Your Home in November
Ants increase their foraging in the fall in preparation for winter. They’ll be on the hunt for food and can usually find it in Tennessee homes. November happens to be a month in which many home kitchens get increased usage as people prepare for holiday meals, providing ants with more opportunities to find crumbs, spills, unsealed pantry items, and prepared foods.
Ants are also attracted to homes that offer warm shelter and a water supply. Moisture from leaky pipes and rooms with high humidity tends to draw ants indoors, where they might decide to stay.
Signs of an Active Ant Colony in Your Home
How can you tell if ants have gotten into your house? Seeing ants is an obvious clue, but one that homeowners often overlook. It’s easy to assume that one or two ants in your kitchen isn’t a cause for concern, but if you keep seeing them, especially at this time of year, you probably have a problem.
If you see small piles of sawdust-like debris near exposed wood, it could be an indication of a carpenter ant infestation. Because carpenter ants damage structural elements of your house, this is something you'll want to address immediately.
Why November Ant Problems Often Get Worse
Since ants that are active in November are fighting for survival, it only makes sense that they’d be happy to move into your house if given the opportunity. Once they get inside, you’ll begin to notice more ant activity as their colony grows throughout the winter. If you ignore the ants you see in November, it will lead to a larger and more widespread infestation by spring.
How to Stop Ants From Invading This November
Keeping ants out of your house this November will help you avoid the many problems they can cause throughout the year. How can you do this? The simple prevention techniques below are a great place to start.
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Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and your foundation, no matter how small.
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Store food in airtight containers and don’t leave any food or ingredients out in the open.
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Clean up spills immediately, wipe counters after use, and sweep floors to remove crumbs.
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Wash your dishes immediately after use and rinse out your sink to remove food particles.
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Take out your trash regularly.
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Fix leaks and reduce moisture and humidity in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Professional Ant Control for Persnickety Infestations
If you’re seeing ants in your house, it’s wise to contact All-American Pest Control for professional ant control. Ants that have moved into your home are difficult to eliminate on your own because their nests are often in hard-to-reach areas, and the only way to eliminate the problem is to get at its root. Simply killing the ants you see will not solve your problem.
The benefits of professional ant control are many and include:
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Trained technicians who will identify the ant species and locate hidden nests
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Targeted treatments that eliminate colonies at the source
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Preventative barriers to stop ants from re-entering your home
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Long-term control and prevention for lasting protection
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
Sometimes it’s hard to know the difference between normal pest activity and a potential problem. Here are a few things to consider:
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Any ant activity in your house is not normal, but if you’re seeing ants consistently, it’s definitely time to contact All-American.
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If you’ve implemented preventive measures, but are still seeing ants, professional ant control will help.
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Even if you haven’t seen any ant activity, you may want additional protection to make sure ants can’t show up in your house. If you want to avoid an infestation, get in touch with All-American.
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If you have guests coming for the holidays, a preventative pest control treatment will give you extra peace of mind.
Contact All-American Pest Control for Your Ant Control Needs
Ants are still alive and active in November, but they don’t have to ruin your month. By scheduling your ant control service with All American Pest Control now, you can nip ant activity in the bud, preventing infestations and ensuring an ant-free holiday and winter. Get in touch with us to schedule your ant control service today.
Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Arrington, Christiana, Lascassas, LaVergne, Nolensville, Readyville, Rockvale, Smyrna, Barfield, Murfreesboro, Blansett Meadows, Deerfield, Fairfield Estates, Scottland Acres, Steeplechase Meadows, Stones River, Walterhill, Eagleville, Milton, as well as the entire Rutherford County and Greater Murfreesboro areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.