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We’re well into November now, and you’d think insect activity would be slowing down. But if you’re still spotting ants around your home, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Shouldn’t they be gone once the weather cools off? Not always! If ants are popping up in your Tennessee home this month, there’s a good reason. The team at All-American Pest Control is here to break down why you might still be seeing them and what you can do to keep them out.
Ants Don't Disappear When Temperatures Drop
Tennessee can stay warm well into the fall, allowing ant colonies to remain active longer than in more northern climates. Many ant species are also quite hardy and can withstand low temperatures. When you combine these two facts, it’s easy to see how ants can still be active at this time of year.
But it’s the ants that sneak inside that really become a problem this time of year. Once they’ve made themselves at home, it doesn’t matter how cold it gets outside. We could have a deep freeze that lasts for months and piles of snow out the window, and those indoor ants would still be perfectly happy and active. As soon as they find their way into your warm, climate-controlled home, they can settle in and thrive all year long.
Common Ant Species Active in November
Which ants are you most likely to see in your home in November? The following three species are common home-invading ants in Tennessee.
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Odorous house ants-These ants continue to forage for food through late fall. Since food sources become harder to find outside, they often move indoors while on their search.
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Pavement ants- These ants seek warmth and food as outdoor sources dwindle. If they get inside, they’ll stick around to survive the coldest months in comfort.
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Carpenter ants- These wood-destroying ants nest in walls and wood structures regardless of season. They may move into your home at any time of year, and once inside, they’ll build tunnels in structural wood, weakening it and damaging your house.
Why Ants Move Indoors During Fall
Ants head indoors in the fall for a few different reasons. One big one is that they’re busy gathering extra food to get their colony through the winter. Many worker ants even have special “social stomachs” that let them carry food back and share it with the rest of the colony. Since outdoor colonies have to hunker down deep underground to survive the cold, fall becomes a critical time for stocking up. So when ants wander into your home this time of year, they’re usually on a mission: they’re looking for food to help their colony make it through the winter.
Ants also get inside in the fall because of the colder temperatures. Although most ants can survive in cool temperatures, they are far more comfortable in a warm place. If they get inside, either in search of food or in search of warmth, they might decide to stay if they can find a secluded space to shelter for the winter.
Your home offers ants the food and shelter they need to survive. Although you may only end up with forager ants that come and go, when you see ants in the fall, there’s a good chance they might decide to move their colony into your house for the winter.
What Attracts Ants to Your Home in November
Since ants are looking for food and shelter in November, you can look around your house and have a pretty good idea about the things that will attract them.
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Crumbs
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Food and drink spills
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Unsealed food in your kitchen or pantry
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Dirty dishes
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Food particles left in the sink or on the floor
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Trash
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Moisture from leaky pipes, drains, and humid areas
How to Tell if You Have an Indoor Ant Colony
Seeing ants during cooler months often means that they're nesting inside your house. You may see trails of ants that often appear in the same locations at the same times, day after day. Although seeing a singular ant is not an immediate cause for alarm, if you start seeing a large number of ants, it could suggest that a colony is already living in your walls. This is especially true if you see a carpenter ant.
Why DIY Ant Treatments Often Fail in Fall
If you see ants in your house this November, don’t run to the hardware store to buy some ant spray or bait. These products might provide a temporary sense of relief, but they’ll only end up wasting your money.
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Store-bought products only eliminate the ants you see, but don’t eliminate the rest of the colony.
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If you get a product that disrupts a trail, the forager ants will simply relocate and continue their work.
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Ant baits work slowly and may not reach deep nests in your walls.
Professional Ant Control for Lasting Results
If you want to get at the root of your ant problem, you want to get professional ant control. All-American’s expert technicians take the time to identify the ant species and locate hidden nests so that our treatments can be targeted to the specific issue and area. By targeting the infestation at its source, we are certain to eliminate the entire colony from your house.
Professional pest control also provides ongoing prevention to stop future infestations before they begin. Instead of worrying about pests through each changing season, imagine having peace of mind all year long. All-American provides that peace of mind with our effective home pest control services. Not only will we protect your house from ants, but we’ll also keep over 47 other common pests away.
Preventing Ants From Returning This Winter
When you combine ant prevention with professional ant control, you get a winning combination. We recommend the following simple ant prevention tips:
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Seal entry points around your home's exterior and foundation
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Cut back foliage so it doesn’t touch the sides or roof of your house
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Store food in airtight containers
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Clean up spills, messes, and dirty dishes promptly
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Take out your trash regularly
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Fix leaks and reduce moisture in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
When to Call a Pest Control Professional
When is it time to contact the pros at All-American? There are a few reasons you might want to pick up the phone.
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If ant trails persist even after you implement our prevention tips
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When you see large numbers of ants on a daily basis, they’re not going to leave on their own.
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If you’re hosting holiday guests and you’d rather not worry about pests in your house, you need peace of mind.
Professional pest control is the best way to take care of your ant problems, whether they’re already in your house or you want to make sure they can’t get inside.
Contact All-American Pest Control for Effective Ant Control This November
Stop stubborn ant invasions with professional help from All-American Pest Control. Our ant control services are delivered by our experienced technicians who ensure the problem is fully eradicated. Schedule your ant control service with All American Pest Control today.
Expert Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Surrounding 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: Acorn Hill, Ashland City, Bethel, Burns, Chapsmanboro, Charlotte, Cumberland Furnace, Cumberland Heights, Dickson, Kingston Springs, Pegram, Vanleer, Pleasant View, Bon Aqua, Slayden, White Bluff, Tennessee City, Bell Town, Cheap Hill, Craggie Hope, Shacklett, Lyles, Hickman, Bon Aqua Junction, Dickson City, and the entire Cheatham County, Dickson 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.