Do Ants Live in the Winter?

Whether you are experiencing ants for the first time or you are an avid ant enthusiast, you are probably wondering, “Do ants live in the winter?” The answer to this question may surprise you, but they do. They have developed a series of strategies to help them survive winter.

As the temperatures fall, ants begin to gather in areas that will help them stay warm. Some ants go underground to hide. Others build mounds of dirt to keep themselves warm. Several ant species have developed a unique way of regulating their body temperature. This method allows them to survive winter without the use of a large amount of food.

Ants will store their body fats to help them through the cold months. They will also increase the amount of protein and carbohydrates they eat in the fall to prepare for the winter months. These stored foods are used for energy.

When temperatures drop, ants enter a state called diapause. Diapause is a metabolic state that slows down the body’s processes. During diapause, ants do not eat or drink. They also do not lay eggs. When temperatures warm up, ants will begin to move around. They will begin to eat food from the source and alert other ants.

Some ants create huge dirt mounds above their colony to help keep them warm. Others use southern exposure rock surfaces as a way to warm themselves.

Most species of ants will prioritize warmth during winter. They will also use their unique foraging strategies to survive the cold months.