Battling ants in the winter season

It’s hard to believe that when temperatures are below freezing many homes and business are plagued with emerging ant infestations. It just doesn’t make sense until we look at this problem from the ant’s perspective.

Winter provides opportunities for survival. 

Let us consider why ants appear in the winter season in the home.

• The slab home or building offers a great environment for ants to survive cold temperatures. Under slabs, especially ones with heating pipes or plumbing under the slabs, create the near perfect environment. Did you know that four feet below the surface of the soil it remains a constant 10 degrees Celsius or 50 degrees Fahrenheit? Along with this fact there is a constant accessibility to moisture for survival and even a certain degree of food source. Also, there are very few natural enemies under the slab which makes life good for the ant but not the homeowner.
• Structures with basements also share some of the above advantages for ant colonies. Ants in the soil can find cracks in the foundation walls or travel within the voids of foundation blocks or cracks and even in the floor slabs to find new and much needed food supplies. No house is perfectly ant proof! 

Since we have discussed the problem, let’s consider some solutions.

• First, good sanitation in the home or building is a must. Remember to wipe up food spills and grease splatters and be sure to close food containers. If you don’t, it’s like inviting ants to a buffet but then telling them they aren’t welcome. Now that’s just not nice! 
• Be aware that ants love the protein in pet food and will be drawn to it when protein is needed for colony production. 
• Sealing cracks and crevices is another option but does not work well unless other methods of control are also put in place.
• Baiting is a good option if the ant likes the bait better than other food supplies in the home.
•  There is also the chemical option which in many cases is one of the best strategies.

What does work well is a combination of several treatment strategies. Calling a pest control specialist is a good option.

If you have questions or need an evaluation, feel free to call Pest Assassin.