Why Do Ants Come in the Winter?
WouterUsually, we associate ants with summer. However, ants are actually active year-round. If you see ants in your home, you may be living next to an overwintering ant colony.
Ants are cold-blooded creatures, so they need an external source of warmth during the winter. They huddle in groups to keep warm. They also build special tunnels to keep the heat they generate in their bodies.
Some ants will hibernate during the winter, while others will stay active. In the winter, most ants will go into a dormant state called diapause. This slows their metabolic rate and does not require much energy. They do not lay eggs or drink or eat during this period.
The temperature also plays a role in how ants behave. Ants need temperatures of 75-95degF. If they cannot find a source of warmth indoors, they may go into dormancy. If they can, they will come out of the dormancy phase when the weather warms up.
Some ants also build large mounds of dirt over their colony to keep it warm. They do this to warm up the soil below it, as well as to absorb radiant heat from the sun.
Some species of ants also use glycerol, a compound found in antifreeze. This compound prevents the body from forming ice crystals, which helps to regulate body temperature.
Most species of ants will begin to put on fat in the autumn, allowing them to survive the winter. They will also increase their intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
