Why Are Ants Still Around in the Fall?

The first ant sighting of spring can be a welcome sign that warmer days are here to stay. We see them crawling around our driveways and know that summer is truly on its way. After that first sighting though, ants can become a little less welcome on our properties. They disrupt our landscaping with their mounds, they show up by the dozen on our walkways, and worst of all, sometimes they get in our houses. 

If you thought that fall would be the time of year that you could get away from ants, think again. These pests are still around in the fall, and they may become a bigger problem for you now than they were all summer. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to ants in the fall and winter, All-American Pest Control has put together some information for you.

Why Ants Don’t Go Away in Fall

Some pests naturally die off once fall arrives, but ants aren’t one of them. For example, most stinging insects (like wasps and hornets) die in the fall, leaving only the queens behind. Those queens spend the winter in a sort of hibernation called diapause before waking up in spring to start new colonies.

Ants, on the other hand, have a different game plan. When it gets cold, outdoor colonies burrow deeper into the ground where it’s warm enough to survive the winter. That’s why you see less ant activity as the temperatures drop; they’re not gone, just hiding out until spring.

But here’s the catch: not all ants head underground. Some decide to move indoors. When that happens, your warm home becomes their perfect winter getaway, complete with food, water, and cozy shelter. Once they’ve settled in, they can stay active all winter long, turning your kitchen into their year-round buffet.

Ant Species Still Seen in Tennessee Homes

Which ants are most likely to move into your house this fall? The three species you’re most likely to find in your Tennessee home are:

• Odorous house ants- These tiny ants will be found creating trails through your kitchen as they scout for food. If you squish them, they’ll release a foul odor that is often compared to rotten coconut.

• Pavement ants- You often see these ants outside, crawling out of cracks in your driveway. If they get into your house, you’re most likely to see them around your basement or garage.

• Carpenter ants- Carpenter ants are large ants that target water-damaged wood. Although they don’t eat wood, they do build tunnels in it. If you ignore them long enough, they can weaken important structural elements of your house.

Why Ants Move Indoors in Cooler Weather

Ants move inside in the fall for a couple of reasons. Sometimes they get inside while searching for food. Ants are foragers, and when food supplies dwindle outdoors, they often find their way inside while on the hunt. 

Sometimes ants get inside while looking for a warm nesting site. If their current nest isn’t in a place where they can survive the winter, they’ll look for a warmer spot in a sheltered, secluded area.

It’s also possible that ants will get into your house by accident. Most houses have tiny cracks and openings that are practically invisible to humans, but that offer easy access to ants. If they happen to find one of these openings and get inside, they might decide to stay when they find the shelter and food they need for winter.

Best Ways to Keep Ants Out in Fall

All ants are annoying to have in your house, but some are also dangerous. If you’d rather avoid an ant infestation this fall, you need to put some preventative measures in place. Now that you know why ants get inside, you can do several things to keep them out:

• Seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows and in your siding and foundation.

• Store all of your food in airtight containers.

• Wipe your counters, wash your dishes, and vacuum up crumbs daily.

• Take out your trash regularly.

• Remove clutter to reduce available nesting sites.

• Reduce moisture in and around your house.

• Schedule perimeter treatments.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

How do you know when your DIY ant prevention strategies aren’t working? There are a few signs:

• You’re seeing ants in your house, despite your efforts.

• You’ve noticed damage from carpenter ants.

• You deal with ants in your house on a recurring, seasonal basis.

For Complete Ant Control, Contact All-American Pest Control

If your DIY efforts aren’t doing the trick, you need a little extra protection. All-American Pest Control has decades of experience eliminating ant problems of all kinds. Not only can we get rid of ants that have already gotten inside, but we also provide the ongoing perimeter protection your home needs to keep it free of ants this fall and throughout the year. Contact All-American Pest Control for ant control today.

For Ant Control in Middle TN, Reach Out!

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: Brentwood, Centerville, Fairview, Thompson’s Station, Arrington, Leiper’s Fork, Windstone, Westhaven, McKay’s Mill, Ladd Park, Rizer Point, Silver Stream, Annandale, Canterbury, Governors Club, Avalon, LaurelBrooke, Belle Vista, Lockwood Glen, Lookaway Farms, Maplewood, McLemore Farms, Meadowview Estates, College Grove, Franklin, Nolensville, Primm Springs, as well as 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 home evaluation!