Why Do Ants Come Out in the Spring?

Spring is a beautiful season, with blooming flowers, chirping birds, and warmer weather. However, for some of us it also marks the beginning of an annual annoyance: ants invading our homes and gardens. While ants can be a nuisance any time of the year, they can be an even bigger problem once winter comes to an end. But, what is it about spring that causes ants to come out? 

Why Ants Are More Active in the Spring

When temperatures begin to drop in the fall, ants prepare for something called diapause, which looks very similar to hibernation. Before winter hits, they will consume large amounts of food to put on fat, which allows them to get through the cold season without eating much. Once winter is in full swing and the colony enters diapause, the ants’ metabolisms slow down and the queen stops laying eggs. While the weather is cold, ants rarely leave their nest. 

Warm weather draws ants out of their dormant stage. Immediately following diapause, the ants need to find enough food to support their resumed growth and reproduction. Since they are hungrier and thirstier coming out of dormancy, ants are a lot more active in the spring while they resume their hunt for food and water.

What Attracts Ants

To prevent and control ant infestations, it’s essential to understand what attracts ants in the first place. While different ant species have different preferences and behaviors, there are some common factors that can make your home or garden more attractive to ants:

• Food: Ants are attracted to sweet, greasy, or protein-rich foods, such as sugar, honey, fruit juice, meat, cheese, and crumbs. They can detect even small amounts of food and leave scent trails for other ants to follow. Always store food in airtight containers and regularly clean up your home to avoid leaving scraps for ants to find.
• Water: Like all living creatures, ants need water to survive. They may be attracted to sources of moisture, such as leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or standing water in pots or pet bowls. Rainy springtime weather also helps these pests thrive.
• Shelter: Ants need a safe and comfortable place to live, nest, and raise their offspring. They may seek out sheltered areas with suitable temperature, humidity, and protection from predators and disturbances. Common indoor nesting sites include walls, floors, cabinets, and appliances, while outdoor nesting sites can be found in soil, mulch, logs, or debris.
• Scent trails: Ants use pheromones to communicate with each other and navigate their environment. They can lay down scent trails that lead to food, water, or nesting sites, which can attract more ants to the same location. Pheromone trails can be tricky to get rid of, but a pest control professional can make the process easier.

Ant Control Services in Las Vegas

Spring is in full swing in Las Vegas, and with it comes an increase in ant activity. If you’re finding these tiny pests marching across your countertops or swarming in your backyard, don’t wait until the problem gets out of hand. At Pest Control Inc., we specialize in effective ant control services that are tailored to your household. Our team of trained professionals use integrated pest management techniques to eliminate ant colonies and prevent them from coming back. Contact us today to get your free quote!