The Effects of Winter on Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are the most common type of ant in the United States. Belonging to the family Camponotus, these ants live in large colonies and feast on protein sources such as other insects and honeydew secreted by other bugs. Although they do have a preference for sugary and protein sources, they often scavenge for food, particularly in the winter months. Many people have wondered, “Do carpenter ants die in the winter?”
To answer this, it’s important to examine the effects of winter on these ants. Typically, the majority of carpenter ant colonies will go into a state of dormancy when cold weather arrives. During this time, the larvae and pupae will no longer develop and the workers will cease foraging for food. This is mainly due to the fact that these ants are sensitive to cold and cannot function in temperatures below 0 – 13 Celsius.
Researchers have observed that these ants usually start foraging for food again when the temperature rises around 8 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the cold weather can kill the queen and the colony. This usually happens when the colony is exposed to extreme cold for too long. The queen and the workers can also die if the winter months become too dry, leaving the ants without access to food or water.
Ways To Help Carpenter Ants Thrive in Winter
As carpenter ants are highly sensitive to cold, it’s important to take measures to protect them and help them survive during the winter months. One of the most effective strategies is to clear debris and debris piles away from the colony. Accumulated debris can cause the temperature in and around the colony to drop drastically, resulting in the death of the ants.
Another way to protect ant colonies during the winter is to provide them with an artificial heat source. This could be in the form of an electric heating pad or a warm water bottle. In colder climates, you can also create an insulated chamber for the ants by filling a container with soil, wood shavings, and other building materials.
Lastly, you can also provide the colony with food and water. This is especially important in winter, when food and water sources are more scarce. Some easy food sources for the ants include crumbs of bread, pieces of meat, honeydew from other insects, and sugary liquids.
Gathering Food During Winter
Despite the fact that foraging for food is much more difficult for carpenter ants during the winter months, they still have some strategies for survival. This includes scavenging for food, visiting human dwellings during the colder winter months in search of food, and visiting flowers and fruit trees. Up to 80% of the surviving ants in some colonies have been found to have fed on plant matter that they’d scavenged from trees and plants.
In extreme cases, carpenter ants may even turn to cannibalism. It has been observed that when food sources are few, the workers will sometimes resort to killing other members of the colony. This usually occurs late in the winter, when the colony’s food has become scarce.
Impact On Other creatures
The decline in numbers of carpenter ants during the winter months has a huge impact on other creatures. In parts of Canada, carpenter ants are a major food source for squirrels, black bears, and other animals. Unfortunately, these animals are generally unable to access carpenter ants during the cold winter months, as the colonies are dormant. This has led to higher mortality rates and decreased reproductive success for some species.
Significance Of Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are an important species not only for the health of local ecosystems, but also for humans. For example, the ants play a vital role in the decomposition of wood, tree bark, and dead plants. This helps to keep the environment clean and healthy. Carpenter ants are also known to prey on other insects (such as fleas and mosquitoes), further controlling the population of potentially harmful pests.
Human Awareness and Anti-Pest Measures
Given the importance of carpenter ants to local environments, it is essential that humans develop a better understanding of these insects and the impact of winter on them. To this end, pest control companies and other experts in the field can play an important role in educating the public on the importance of protecting carpenter ants.
Similarly, laypeople should take proper steps to minimize the impact of colder seasons on carpenter ants. These steps can include providing the colony with food and water, creating an insulated chamber for the ants, clearing accumulated debris away from the colony, and providing them with an artificial heat source during the winter months.
Non-Toxic Solutions For Carpenter Ants in Winter
In addition to taking preventative measures, it is also important to use non-toxic and safe methods to get rid of carpenter ants. For example, borax, a naturally occurring mineral, can be used as an effective ant killer in winter. This can help to reduce the number of carpenter ants without causing any harm to the environment.
In addition to borax, there are several other non-toxic and humane methods for dealing with carpenter ants. These include using vinegar, using a bait made of honey and water, and using essential oils such as clove oil, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil.
Preserving Carpenter Ant Habitats
Finally, it is essential to preserve and protect carpenter ant habitats. This includes avoiding cutting down trees near the colony, avoiding using too much fertilizer or pesticides (as these can kill the ants), and ensuring there are no sources of food close to the colony that may attract other pests.
By understanding the significance of carpenter ants and taking the necessary steps to protect them, humans can play a vital role in preserving and protecting these important insects.
