What Temperature is Too Cold For Ants?

Often times, when ants are found inside on a cold day, they may have been tricked into thinking that the home is warm enough. However, it is not uncommon for ants to have an active colony inside a house during the winter.

Ants have an exoskeleton that protects them from the cold, but the body temperature is still affected by the weather conditions of the immediate environment. When the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, ants’ bodies adjust downward to conserve their warmth.

Some ants will enter a dormant state known as diapause, which reduces their risk of freezing to death. This process is similar to hibernation and causes all work to stop.

In order to conserve their warmth, ants store extra fat beneath their skin. They will also open their exoskeletons to release heat.

When the temperatures get cold, ants will seek a warmer spot to hide. They may go underground to seek shelter, or they may bring a swarm of ants indoors.

When it gets cold, ants are more likely to forage during the day. However, as the day progresses, their foraging becomes less efficient. They will take the extra time to gather in a warm place where they can conserve heat. This process can last as long as five days.

Ants can store food resources in their bodies as glycogen, fat, or sugar. These can be used for energy or converted into energy in the body. If the ants die, the stored fat will protect the tissues from damage.