Where Carpenter Ants Go in the Winter in Maine
Carpenter ants, notorious for their wood-damaging habits, are a common concern for Mainers during the spring, summer, and fall months. But what about wintertime? Are carpenter ants active during the winter months, and if not, where do they go? In today’s blog post, Advanced Pest Solutions' local pest control pros will explain what happens to these large black ants when the weather grows colder.
Winter habits of carpenter ants
As we’ve mentioned in other blog posts about carpenter ants, these bugs do not consume wood for nourishment but rather excavate galleries within it to build their nests. Each nest established serves as a shelter and breeding ground and is often located outside. However, when winter approaches, the ants must find a way to survive the freezing temperatures.
No, carpenter ants do not hibernate
It is a common belief that carpenter ants hibernate in winter. However, these insects don't actually hibernate. Instead, they enter a state of dormancy called "diapause" in which their metabolic rate slows down. This enables them to conserve energy and withstand the cold weather. So, even during the colder months, carpenter ants remain active, but at a much slower pace than they are during the warmer months.
Just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they’ve gone away
Carpenter ants typically remain within their nests throughout the winter. However, their choice of nesting sites may vary depending on environmental conditions and the availability of resources.
In Maine, carpenter ants often seek out insulated locations to protect themselves from the freezing temperatures. Common winter hideouts include, but are not limited to:
Attics
Basements
Crawl spaces
Wall & ceiling voids
Door & window frames
Rotting or water-damaged wood inside homes
Near leaking pipes or water heaters
Heated portions of homes & buildings
How to prevent carpenter ant activity all year round
For homeowners in Maine, it’s important to prevent carpenter ant infestations and the resulting damage these pests can cause. Although the tips listed below are best completed in the fall or warmer months, it’s never too late to take action to prevent these wood-destroying insects from infesting your home.
Remove stumps, logs, and other wood waste in your yard
Trim back shrubs and tree limbs so that they do not touch your house
Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and off the ground
Repair roof, flashing, and siding, if necessary
Break up ice dams in gutters
Remove snow accumulation from roof
Replace water-damaged wood indoors and on the exterior
Address plumbing problems
Reduce moisture content inside the house
Use pressure-treated wood for parts of the house and deck that will be in contact with the soil
Make sure your home and outbuildings are painted and/or sealed
Seal potential entry points carpenter ants may use to crawl inside
Don’t leave people or pet food easily accessible to foraging carpenter ants
What to do if you’re seeing carpenter ants this winter
Although carpenter ants are usually inactive during the winter, mild days (and we’ve had several) may induce these pests to move about. If you’ve suddenly noticed carpenter ants in your home, contact Advanced Pest Solutions right away!
Professional carpenter ant control in Central & Coastal Maine
At Advanced Pest Solutions, we offer effective carpenter ant control in Manchester, Farmington, and Waldoboro, as well as throughout our service area that includes one-time treatments, annual carpenter ant treatments, and year-round home pest control services that eliminate carpenter ants and other household pests!
Our locally owned and operated pest control company has the knowledge, tools, and experience to help you get rid of carpenter ants, no matter the season. Call us today or complete the form below to get started!