Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

How Long Can Ants Live For?

Factors Determining an Ant's Lifespan

Longevity of ants depends upon a number of factors such as:

  • Ant species

  • Ant colony caste

  • Location

  • Predation on the colony

  • Food quality and abundance

  • Access to protective shelter

It also depends on whether the ant in question is living in its natural habitat or is living in a laboratory setting.

Allegheny Mound Ant

Allegheny Mound Ant

Caste Determines Lifespan

Generally, ants have a short life cycle, but some colony members can live from as little as a few days to as long as a few decades. Probably one of the most important factors affecting lifespan is the respective ant’s caste; the queens, males, and workers that occupy the ant colony.

Male Ants - Male adults live for only a few days and die after mating with the females.

Queen Ants - Ant queens, the egg-laying members of the colony, are the most long-lived colony members and may live for multiple years.

Worker Ants - Workers, the non-reproducing female adult stage that does most of the work needed to properly support and maintain the colony, live for a few weeks to several months.

Different Species Have Different Lifespans

Another important factor affecting longevity of ants is species. For comparison, odorous house ant workers, a commonly seen ant inside homes, tend to live about two to three years, while a fire ant worker lives only about five weeks.

Food Matters

However, the longevity of workers is greatly affected by the availability of food and the quality of food they consume. Workers are the caste that sacrifices their well-being for the overall health and well-being of the entire colony. If food sources become scarce, workers commonly eat less than other colony members and thus ensure sufficient food resources are available for continued heartiness of colony members other than themselves.

Resources

Ants Home Protection

Does Orange Oil Get Rid of Fire Ants | Ant Repellent

How Do Ants Get Inside Homes? | Control Ant Infestations

Can Ants Hear? | Ant Facts & Information

Can Ants Smell? | Ant Behaviors & Habits

How to Get Rid of Pharaoh Ant Infestation | Ant Control

What to Know About DIY Boric Acid Ant Killer Methods

How to Use Boric Acid to Control Carpenter Ants

Facts About Bigheaded Ants | Ant Habits & Behaviors

Bigheaded ant illustration

How Long Does Ant Bait Take to Get Rid of Ants?

Q

Since my initial Orkin service one week ago, my ant problem has gotten worse. The ants are in the kitchen now, where initially they were not. What can be done to keep the ants at bay while waiting for extra service?

What is an Argentine Ant Colony? | Ant Facts

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2023 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers