What Temperature Do Ants Like?
WouterProbably the question you are wondering about is, “What temperature do ants like?” The answer may be a bit surprising. Ants aren’t as warm blooded as humans, but they do have some clever tricks to regulate their temperatures.
One is called diapause. This is a metabolic state that occurs in most ants at the onset of winter. Ants will not lay eggs or eat or drink during diapause, so they will use up very little of their stored energy.
Another clever tactic is to build a small nest beneath a big rock. Some ants use heat from decomposing leaves to regulate their temperatures. Others build mounds with tunnels.
Some ants build colonies underground to survive the colder months. Some even build nests beneath tree bark. Depending on the species, the nest may be several inches deep.
Ants will be looking for food when the weather warms up. They will also be looking for shelter. They will build a nest under a rock or under a pile of leaves.
One thing that ants don’t like is rain. They need water to survive. They also don’t like snow. A warm home is better than a cold one. If they can’t find a warm place, they will enter your home. If you can’t keep them out, they might die.
Ants have antennae, which are stick-like organs that sense smell and taste. They also have heat-responsive neurons. They use a process called glycerol conversion to regulate their body temperatures. This prevents ice crystals from forming in their bodies during the winter.
