Why Ant Control Matters in Winter — and Year-Round
Where Do Ants Hide During the Winter?
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Inside Walls: Ants often retreat into the walls of homes, where they can find insulation and protection from the cold. The small crevices and voids within walls provide a perfect environment for them to stay warm and undisturbed.
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Under Floors: The space beneath floors, especially in basements or crawl spaces, offers a dark and insulated refuge. Ants can burrow into cracks or gaps in the flooring to create a safe haven.
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Near Water Sources: Ants need moisture to survive, even in winter. Areas near sinks, leaky pipes or other water sources become prime hiding spots. Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms are particularly appealing to them.
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Under Mulch and Pinestraw Around the Foundation: These materials hold moisture and can provide insulation from the elements. Decaying organic matter can create heat and stay warm, especially under snow.
Knowing where ants hide helps you stay one step ahead — keeping your facility protected throughout every season.
Why Does Ant Activity Increase During the Winter?
Even though ants slow down outdoors in cold weather, you might notice more of them inside. They’re drawn to warmth, food, moisture and shelter — and your building offers them all.
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Warmth and Shelter: When temperatures drop, ants head inside. Walls, basements and spaces behind appliances offer the heat and insulation they need to survive.
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Food Access: Crumbs, spills and uncovered food make kitchens and break rooms an easy target.
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Moisture: Even in winter, ants need water. Leaks, condensation or damp areas near sinks, dishwashers and restrooms can attract them fast.
Why Year-Round Ant Pest Control is Critical
1. Disrupt Colonies Before Spring
Winter is the perfect time to disrupt ant colonies before they emerge as stronger threats in the spring. By targeting ants during their dormant or less active phase, pest control treatments can weaken colonies and reduce their ability to reproduce and spread when warmer weather returns. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead of potential infestations.
2. Protect Indoor Environments
Ants are more than just a nuisance. They contaminate food supplies, chew through insulation and some can even spread disease pathogens. Year-round pest control ensures that your indoor spaces remain safe, clean and free from the risks associated with ant activity.
3. Maintain Sanitation Standards
For businesses, especially those in industries like foodservice, healthcare and hospitality, maintaining high sanitation standards is non-negotiable. Ants can compromise these standards by spreading bacteria and contaminating food preparation areas. Routine pest control helps businesses meet regulatory requirements and maintain a clean, professional environment.
4. Save Money Through Early Detection
Small ant problems in the winter can quickly escalate into costly infestations if left unchecked. Year-round pest control includes regular inspections that catch issues early, allowing for targeted treatments that prevent larger, more expensive problems down the line. This proactive approach can save you significant time, money and stress.
Ants may be seen less frequently in winter, but they don’t go away. Year-round protection from Orkin helps safeguard your business, reduce risks and give you complete confidence — no matter the season.
What Are Signs of Winter Ant Problems?
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Small trails near windows, sinks or baseboards.
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Piles of dirt or sawdust (carpenter ants).
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Ant sightings near food or water sources.
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Buzzing or rustling noises in walls (possible carpenter ant activity).
Spotting these early signs helps you act fast — before small issues turn into big infestations.
What Attracts Ants to Your Business?
Prevention starts with knowing what draws ants inside in the first place. Ants are often attracted to these common conditions:
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Food crumbs and sugary spills
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Moisture from leaks or condensation
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Cluttered, dark hiding spots
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Easy entry points like cracks and gaps
Maintaining a clean, dry environment and sealing entryways helps reduce attractants significantly.
Want to stay ahead of ants year-round? Our Antcyclopedia shares why ants target businesses, how to identify common species and steps to help keep them from coming back — plus a checklist you can use to help prevent infestations.
What Damage Can Ants Do to My Business?
Once ants move in, they can threaten your property, food safety and customer trust.
Carpenter ants, for example, may damage wooden structures while foraging, leading to costly repairs and operational disruptions. Infestations can also impact your reputation and even health code compliance.
What Are Some Best Practices for Winter Ant Prevention in Businesses?
1. Seal Entry Points
Ants can enter through the smallest cracks and gaps, making it essential to inspect your building for vulnerabilities. Check around windows, doors, foundation cracks and utility line entry points. Use caulk, weatherstripping or other sealing materials to block these access points. Pay special attention to loading docks, storage areas and employee entrances, as these are common entry zones.
2. Store Food Securely
For businesses in the food service, hospitality or retail industries, proper food storage is critical. Use airtight containers for all food items, including ingredients, snacks and employee lunches. Clean up crumbs, spills and food debris immediately and ensure trash bins are emptied regularly and have tight-fitting lids. In break rooms, kitchens and food prep areas, wipe down surfaces frequently to remove any food residue.
3. Fix Moisture Issues
Ants are drawn to moisture, so addressing water-related problems is a must. Inspect your facility for leaky pipes, dripping faucets and areas with condensation, such as near HVAC systems or in storage rooms. Repair leaks promptly and consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements or utility rooms. Bathrooms, kitchens and dishwashing stations are particularly prone to moisture buildup, so ensure these areas are well-maintained.
4. Maintain Regular Pest Control Service
Year-round pest control is essential for businesses to prevent infestations and protect their reputation. Partner with a professional pest control service to conduct routine inspections, apply targeted treatments and provide expert guidance. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of ant activity, ensuring quick and effective responses before the problem escalates.
How Does Orkin Handle Ant Control?
Orkin’s experts use a tailored, multi-step process:
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Thorough inspections to find nests and entry points
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Targeted treatments designed for the specific ant species
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Staff education on best sanitation and prevention practices
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Regular follow-ups with detailed reporting to ensure lasting results
This approach minimizes disruption and maximizes protection across all business types.
Protect Your Business from Ants Year-Round
Don’t let ants disrupt your business — in winter or any season. Partner with the gold standard in pest control and gain absolute confidence in your protection.
Ant Control Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ants Active in the Winter?
Ants can stay active indoors during winter and on the landscape in protected areas like under mulch and inside trees. As temperatures drop, they may move inside seeking warmth, moisture and food, making winter a prime time for infestations. Hidden ant colonies can keep growing unnoticed if facilities aren’t proactively treated, so year-round vigilance is essential.
What’s the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Ants in My Facility?
The quickest way to help get rid of ants is to combine thorough inspections for nests and entry points, targeted treatments like baits or gels for the specific ant species and immediate sanitation improvements. Working with a pest control provider like Orkin speeds up the process and helps ensure lasting results with regular follow-up visits and expert recommendations.
Do Ants Cause Structural Damage?
Yes, some ants can damage your business. Carpenter ants are known for tunneling into wood, risking structural integrity and causing expensive repairs. Any ant infestation also threatens food safety and can harm your reputation, so prompt, professional action is crucial.