It is possible to have ant problems during the winter, and it is fairly common for ants to continue crawling around homes during the colder months.

If this is a problem you are experiencing, it may be an indication that you have an ant colony living in your walls. While the main ant colony is usually located outside in the ground or in the yard, foraging ants will enter your home to find food, particularly during the warmer months. Once the cold weather arrives, ant colonies will become less active and will go into hibernation but a satellite colony inside your home will remain active during the winter and will continue to search for food in your kitchen and other parts of your home. They will do this all winter long if the walls surrounding them remain warm, and though their primary focus will be on food, they may also cause damage to wood and drywall, so it is a problem that must be addressed immediately.

The most effective way to prevent ant problems is by eliminating the possibility of them finding food, so make sure you seal leftovers properly, clean your dishes after every meal and wipe down your counters and table after you finish eating. It’s also important to clean the dishes in your sink because leaving them overnight will attract ants and cause more problems.

  1. A few simple steps can help prevent winter ant problems, so make sure to do the following:
  2. Seal flour, cereal and other pantry products properly. Use plastic bags or containers to prevent ants from accessing these items.
  3. Store your fruit in the refrigerator or in sealed bags or containers, and do not leave them out as décor.
  4. Feed your pets during mealtimes, and do not leave any pet food out.
  5. Vacuum your floors regularly.
  6. If you notice ant trails, wipe down those areas with cleaning products to eliminate these pathways.

These steps will make a big difference, and while cleaning will certainly help with your ant problem, winter ants are more problematic and are more difficult to eliminate. If you see ants crawling across your kitchen counter or notice ant trails around your home during the colder months, it is best to contact a professional exterminator to help with your problem.

Contact Pest Control can help you deal with this problem. We will help identify the source of your problem and will locate the colonies within your home to eliminate them. Our exterminators are experienced and specialize in bed bug removal, mice control and more! We will apply the best treatments to solve your problem both safely and effectively, so if you’re looking for the best pest control services and are in the North York or Toronto areas, contact our company today!