What Temperature Will Kill Ants?
WouterWhether you live in an area that experiences colder winters or you’re just trying to control an ant infestation, you’re probably wondering what temperature will kill ants. The truth is that while ants can survive freezing temperatures, they do not have the built-in bodily response to cold that humans do.
Most ants hunker down when the temperatures start to drop. This is called freeze avoidance. They will be slow to move, and may even begin to forage for food.
Ants are very hard-working insects. They live underground and are always looking for food. They are most active during the spring and fall seasons. They prepare to hibernate by consuming large amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
They build special tunnels to retain their body heat. During the winter, ants may find shelter underground, in tree bark, or under the soil. Some ant colonies have food stores on hand.
When the weather is warm, ants will leave their nests to forage for food. They’ll then gather as a colony to hibernate for the winter. If they’re active, they’ll carry their bait into their nest within an hour.
The best temperature to burn ants is 375 degrees. Besides burning their bodies, ants’ antennae can also be burned at this temperature.
Ants don’t like heat. They prefer warm, underground environments. They are also attracted to moisture. A food spill or juice leak will attract ants faster than anything else.
Ants also have ectothermy, or the ability to store heat in their bodies. When the weather is cold, ants group together to share the body heat.
