Seeing Ants in February? What That Means for Spring Colonies

Noticing ants in your house this month? It can feel a little alarming, like, isn’t it way too early for that?

Surprisingly, no. February ant sightings are pretty common in Tennessee, thanks to our mild winters and those classic temperature swings. Ants often pop out on an unusually warm day, then seem to vanish again as soon as the cold snaps back.

The ants you’re seeing right now can actually be an early warning sign of what spring pest activity might look like around your home. And the sooner you spot and address them, the easier it is to avoid bigger problems once colonies really get going.

At All-American Pest Control, we’ve been helping homeowners across Middle Tennessee with ant control for more than 65 years. Here’s what you should know about what February ants can mean for spring, and what to do next.

Why Are Ants Active in Tennessee During February?

Ants can become active in February for a variety of reasons. First of all, if an ant colony has already moved into your house, they’ll remain active all year long within the warm confines of your walls. Your indoor heat creates the stable conditions needed to keep ants moving around.

As cold-blooded creatures, ants don’t stay active in the cold. However, the ant colonies that are outside may “wake up” on a warm February day. When they do, they’ll start foraging for food, which may lead them into your home.

What Does It Mean If Ants Are Showing Up Indoors?

If you’ve been seeing ants inside your house, it can mean one of two things. Either outdoor ants have gotten into your house while foraging for food, or you have an ant colony nesting somewhere within your house. 

If you see an ant here or there, but it doesn’t become a routine issue, forager ants that live outdoors have likely gotten inside in search of food. However, if you start seeing ants on a routine basis, it could mean that ants are living in your house.

Which Ant Species Are Commonly Seen in February?

There are a lot of different ant species in Tennessee, but the same couple of species tend to show up in homes here in February. These two species are:

Odorous house ants- Odorous house ants often come indoors during bouts of bad weather, so it’s possible to end up with an infestation in the winter. Although they are nuisance ants, they can contaminate your food, and they give off an unpleasant smell when crushed.

Carpenter ants- Carpenter ants love to move into homes that have a lot of wood, especially if it is moist or water-damaged. Although they don’t eat wood, carpenter ants do chew tunnels through it to build their nests. Over time, a large carpenter ant infestation can cause significant damage to your house.

Why February Ant Activity Predicts Bigger Spring Colonies

When ants start showing up around your house in February, it’s a good indication that spring might have higher-than-normal ant activity levels. Early foraging supports colony growth before the spring (and reproduction season) even arrives.

Furthermore, ant colonies that are living inside homes in the winter tend to expand faster once temperatures rise. They’ll establish themselves in the cold months, then grow as soon as warm weather hits. 

By ignoring February ant sightings, you could be setting yourself up for a heavy spring infestation. The best thing you can do is address the issue now, while it’s still small.

What Attracts Ants Inside During Late Winter?

If outdoor ants become active during a warm spell in late winter, there are a few things that are going to specifically attract them to your house. These attractants include:

• Food residue and crumbs in kitchens and pantries

• Moisture from leaks, condensation, or humid rooms

• Warm, undisturbed nesting areas near appliances

What Should You Do If You See Ants in February?

Is there anything you can do if you start seeing ants in your house this month? There is! Instead of sitting back and hoping they go away on their own, be proactive by removing attractants and making it harder for ants to get into your house. All-American’s best ant prevention tips include:

• Sealing visible entry points around doors, windows, and pipes

• Cleaning surfaces regularly to remove scent trails

• Putting all food away in sealed containers and washing dishes after use

• Reducing moisture in your house

• Using bait rather than sprays to target the colony, not just visible ants

February is an effective time for baiting ants since it allows you to eliminate a colony before it expands in the spring.

When Does February Ant Activity Require Professional Help?

It can be hard to know when the ant activity you’re seeing is normal and when it requires professional help. Here are a few things to consider when making the decision:

• If ants appear daily in your house despite your cleaning and prevention methods, it’s time to contact All-American Pest Control.
• If activity increases after warm days, you may have an infestation that requires professional control.
• If you’ve tried DIY methods without success, you may need the help of professional pest control technicians who are trained in ant biology and know which products work best.
• If you suspect that carpenter ants are in your house, don’t hesitate to contact All-American before they cause significant damage.

How Early Ant Control Helps Prevent Spring Infestations

Seeing ants in your house in February may not be unusual, but it should be used as a reminder to schedule your late winter ant control service. By addressing pest issues early, you can:

• Limit population growth

• Stop expansion into new areas

• Reduce long-term damage and costs

Don’t think of the ants you're seeing in February as a problem or a setback; think of them as an opportunity to get ahead of spring pest problems.

Contact All-American for Ant Control Today

For all of your ant control needs, All-American Pest Control offers the services you’re looking for. Contact us to schedule your free home evaluation. We’ll determine any issues and recommend a treatment process that best meets your needs. Address your home’s ant activity now before spring colonies explode later. Get in touch with us today!

Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Areas

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: Franklin, Nolensville, Spring Hill, College Grove, Grassland, Cool Springs, Fieldstone Farms, Sullivan Farms, Forrest Crossing, Bent Creek, Bridgemore Village, Kings’ Chapel, Downtown Franklin, The Highlands at Ladd Park, Berry Farms, Polk Place, Rebel Meadows, River Landing, Rogershire, Shadow Green, Simmons Ridge, Southall Heights, Fernvale, Fountain Heights, Ehtridge, Lawrenceburg, Thompson Station, Santa Fe, and the entire Williamson County and Greater Nashville 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.