What Ants Do in Winter
WouterDuring the winter, some ants do very interesting things. They dig deep into the soil, or they tunnel beneath rocks. They may even bring a swarm indoors, in search of food. They can also create huge mounds of dirt to stay warm. They can also use these mounds to absorb radiant heat from the sun.
Some ants will go into hibernation during the winter. These ants will not eat or drink during the winter. They will also not lay eggs, and their metabolism will slow down. This is called diapause.
The queen wasp, which is responsible for the colony’s food and water supply, will also seal up the entrances to the nest. This is so that the colony can survive the cold winter without having to worry about any cold air leaking in.
During the winter, ants will use glycerol, a compound found in antifreeze, to keep their bodies from freezing. Glycerol also prevents ice crystals from forming in their bodies. This helps them stay active during cold weather.
Some ants will also split into smaller colonies, which will improve their survival overall. These splinter colonies will remain loosely connected to the original colony until spring. They will then merge together when spring arrives.
During the winter, some ants may find a valuable prize and bring it back to the colony. This means that other ants will come to assist in carrying the prize home.
If you want to avoid ants, you can make sure to clean up the areas around your home that are prone to ants, and seal any exterior openings that are open. You can also prevent ants by storing food and other items in airtight containers.
