When are ants most active?

What time of year are ants most active?

Ant activity varies by species, but ants can thrive year-round. However, March to October are generally the most active months of the year for ants.

Are ants more active at night?

Some ant species are nocturnal, which means they work at night and sleep during the day. Conversely, species are diurnal, meaning they work during the day and sleep at night, while others are working both day and night. Their work and sleep schedules are primarily influenced by their species. However, there can be various factors such as the availability of resources and the presence of predators that may cause adjustments in behaviors.

How To Prepare for Ant Season

INTERIOR

Get a head start on ant season by:

• Wiping down counters, sweeping and vacuuming floors, cleaning up spills, and removing spilled food from cabinets to reduce potential ant food sources. These clean-up activities will help make ant baits more effective and help to keep ants from being attracted inside.

• Vacuum thoroughly on a regular basis to eliminate even small crumbs. Store food in pest-proof containers or place it in the refrigerator. Pay close attention to your kitchen, which is a hot spot for ants, and make sure to seal food tightly and keep all surfaces clean. However, don’t forget to inspect and clean up any place inside where food is frequently eaten or stored, such as furniture cushions or anywhere else crumbs can accumulate.

• Pre-baiting for ants by using bits of food for bait is a good way to determine the presence of ants. This technique consists of placing small amounts of food on a piece of paper where ants have been a problem and checking those locations to determine if ants have fed on the bits of food.

EXTERIOR

• Inspect the house and garage exterior and seal cracks or gaps in the foundation, siding, or around doors and windows since ants may use such openings to gain access into the house.

• Remove plant or wood debris that is around the exterior of the home. Seal gaps in the concrete driveway, patio, or sidewalks, and make sure to clean the floors and garage storage cabinets. Plan to inspect the exterior of the home for evidence of ant mounds, nests, or the presence of ant trails leading to the home.

How To Prevent Ant Infestations

• Reducing moisture and standing water around your home can go a long way to help prevent ants. Repair leaky pipes and routinely check under sinks for areas of moisture. Consider using a dehumidifier in damp basements, crawl spaces, or attics. Ants often gravitate towards cool and moist areas. So, managing humidity and temperature control in your home can help control ants.

• Make sure not to leave any food crumbs or sugary foods outside of sealed containers. Ants are always searching for potential food sources, and they can reach most places for food. One way to get rid of ants is to keep those spaces thoroughly clean, especially in your pantry, kitchen, food storage sections, utensils, and dining tables.

• If there is any fruit that has gone rotten or any food that is left open, ants will likely discover that as a food source. Consider airtight containers to ensure additional food safety.

• Also, it’s not only our food, but even unattended pet foods may lead to an ant infestation. Clean food bowls properly after feeding your pets and keep the area clean.

• The scent of any area plays a significant role in ant infestations. Certain smells highly repel them and can be used to help control ants. Some strong-smelling substances like vinegar, eucalyptus, or peppermint, may help against ant infestations. However, for effective, lasting ant control treatment, make sure to call your Orkin Pro.

Be Prepared For Ant Season All Year Long

There are six seasons of pest control throughout the year and ants can be a problem all year long no matter where you live. Contact your local pest exterminator to schedule your ant inspection today.