Learn Quick Facts about Fire Ants during Florida winters from our video
The Winter Fire Ant “Disappearance” Myth in Florida
Fire ants are a common, near-ubiquitous insect in South Florida during the warmer months. However, many residents and homeowners believe that fire ants “go away” during the colder winter months, which isn’t true. While their mounds are certainly less visible in the winter, that doesn’t mean these pesky insects go away entirely. The truth is that the milder winters in Florida still allow fire ants to be active year-round, including biting. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why fire ants are a persistent Florida pest, where they go during the winter season, why stings can still happen, and what homeowners should do differently during the cooler winter months.
Do Fire Ants Go Away In Florida Winters?
The short answer is no – fire ants don’t disappear entirely during Florida winters. The cooler temperatures do affect surface-level activity, but don’t impact the overall colony survival. As the temperatures begin to drop, the colonies either move deeper underground or move closer to warmer structures. Local south Florida news reports confirm fire ants remain active year-round, including the cooler winter months.
Where Do Fire Ants Go When It Gets Cooler?
When it gets cooler, fire ants typically retreat deeper underground. Soil itself is a very effective insulating material, so by moving a little deeper underground, they can reach the warmer, more stable temperatures they seek. Or, fire ant colonies might simply relocate to warmer nearby structures, such as:
- Foundations
- Patios
- Sidewalks
- Driveways
This is why many Florida homeowners report fire ant bites while doing yard work or spending time around patio areas.
Why Fire Ant Mounds Disappear But Stings Continue
The familiar mounds of fire ants definitely flatten or become less obviously visible during the winter months. However, the colonies beneath the mounds remain quite active and are capable of aggressive defensive behavior year-round. When disturbances occur near the mounds and their nests, it can trigger sudden stings from the fire ants. This is why some Florida residents are often caught off-guard by winter fire ant stings.
What Changes About Fire Ant Behavior In Winter?
While the milder winters in Florida don’t get rid of fire ants entirely, they do tend to influence changes in their behavior. Some common observed changes include:
- Reduced surface-level foraging for food sources during cold mornings
- Higher levels of foraging behavior during the warmer afternoons
- Shifts in mound locations, closer toward heat-retaining surfaces and materials
- Colony consolidation, making later spring populations seem higher or worse
These are all evolved, adaptive behaviors that allow fire ant colonies to survive even when surface temperatures are less than ideal. Adaptive behaviors like these are a key factor in the spread of invasive species. Florida isn’t the only place in the country that has seen increased invasive ant activity, and local media in Florida have reported that other threatening and invasive ant species have extended their geographic range.
Why Winter Is Still A Smart Time To Treat Fire Ants
Florida homeowners who commit to winter treatments can effectively reduce colony sizes before the annual spring population growth. In this regard, proper bait timing is important, and incorrect applications can lead to poor, ineffective results. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) based approach is almost always recommended. Indeed, University of Florida experts recommend IPM strategies for fire ant management year-round. This is a more comprehensive and proactive approach than purely reactive and seasonal-only methods. As climate change trends continue, we can expect the already mild winters of Florida to get warmer, and many experts believe that climate change will only make local fire ant problems worse.
Best Fire Ant Control Methods For Florida Lawns (An IPM Approach)
Many of the commonly recommended DIY or home-remedy tactics for removing fire ants are ineffective. This includes random ant sprays or pouring boiling water on mounds. These will only provide very superficial and temporary relief and can actually exacerbate the problem in the long run. A more effective protocol grounded in IPM techniques would include:
- Targeted mound treatments
- Timed baiting at correct temperatures
- Overall habitat modification
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up treatments
When applied by trained professionals, these methods are both pet-safe and environmentally friendly. University of Florida researchers explain why proper timing and method selection matter in this helpful article.
What Florida Homeowners Should Expect Around Lawns, Patios, & Hardscapes
As mentioned previously, one adaptive behavior of fire ants during the winter months is relocating their mounds closer to warmer structures. This includes things like patios and paved, hard-scaped surfaces. Florida homeowners should expect increased mound activity near these areas of their property. Stings from fire ants can occur while doing everyday yard work, such as gardening or power washing. Fire ants may also exploit warmer, insulating materials like irrigation, mulch, and landscape beds. You can refer to our Nozzle Nolen Pest Library for more information and learn how to identify fire ants and understand mound behavior.
Why Fire Ant Control Should Be Part Of A Year-Round Plan
Just because mounds are less visible doesn’t mean Florida homeowners should be passive during the winter months. In fact, waiting until the spring will more often than not allow the colonies to rebound in overall population and size. A preventative winter management plan will help reduce the overall risk and severity of the problem later. Florida lawns benefit the most from ongoing maintenance, including seasonal adjustments.
Professional Fire Ant Control In Southeast Florida
As reviewed earlier, many do-it-yourself (DIY) methods fail, either due to mistiming or insufficient impact on the overall colony. Trained pest control professionals better understand the seasonal behaviors of these troublesome insects, the proper temperature thresholds, and the proper selection of bait. As such, many homeowners will find that working with a professional pest control company will provide them with better fire ant control as part of a year-round pest management plan.
Fire Ants Change In Winter – They Don’t Leave
Remember, fire ants remain active during winter months, even when mounds are far less visible. Smart winter treatment plans that are grounded in IPM best practices can help prevent unwanted spring bites and surprises. Rather than reacting seasonally, adopt a more proactive and year-round mindset.
If you suspect you have fire ants in or around your home, you can always visit the Nozzle Nolen website to schedule a free inspection and consultation today.
