What Temperature Do Ants Come Out of Hibernation?
WouterDuring cold weather, you may notice ants coming out of your home in search of food. Generally, ants are active year-round, but they go into a more resting state during cold weather. This is called hibernation. They will gather as a colony to survive the cold. They can be found under tree bark, rocks, or even in your home.
The temperature at which ants come out of hibernation depends on the temperature of the air in the surrounding area. Ants need temperatures of at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need an extra layer of fat beneath their skin to help keep them warm. The fat is stored during the summer, and is used as food for the winter.
In order to survive in the cold, ants will gather as a colony in a safe place. Some ants go underground, but most ants are attracted to warm locations.
Ants can survive without food for long periods of time, but they cannot survive without warmth. When the air temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, ants’ bodies adjust their temperature. The ants’ gasters swell. This is a sign that they are full.
During the hibernation period, ants focus on the safest scenes in the home. This means that their nest entrances close. They also go out of their vision paths.
In order to survive in the cold, some ants produce a substance that protects them from lethal temperatures. They are also attracted to wet areas and liquids.
