You’ll often see ants wandering around on hot cement during the middle of summer and it might get you thinking, what temperature do ants die at? In some parts of the country, summer temperatures can be extreme, and temps on cement can be even higher. On the flip side, can ants freeze to death? In this article we’ll be breaking down at what temp do ants die, both hot and cold!
What Temperature Do Ants Die?
Ants can withstand areas of extreme temperature for short periods of time, but for extended periods of time, extreme temps can be lethal to ants. Generally ants will die when temperatures are at or above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Ants will also tend to freeze to death at temperatures lower than 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can Ants Freeze To Death?
Ants generally can survive cold temperatures for short periods of time, but there are limits to their survival abilities. Generally cold temperatures will be lethal to ants once it gets below 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ants will spend more time underneath the ground in their nests when temperatures are cold because the earth helps to insulate the nest and the temperatures are generally warmer underneath the ground compared to the frosted surface. Along with this, because ants are slower moving when they’re cold, it helps keep ants safe from predators.
How Do Ants Survive Extreme Temperature?
Ants are one of the only animals that can withstand extreme temperatures moderately well. This is because ants have a few behaviors and abilities that allows them to survive extreme temperatures. These include their ability to thermoregulate their internal body temperatures, their ability to nest deeper underground to cool off as well as avoid frost, as well as their ability to enter torpor which is similar to hibernation.
One of the biggest benefits of ant colonies is that most species nest underneath the ground, which does a much better job of regulating temperatures compared to the surface. This means that during times of extreme heat or extreme cold, ant colonies nests are generally a much more moderate and comfortable temperature, which allows the colony to survive.
Torpor is another behavior ants have that allow them to survive during extreme temperatures. Torpor is similar to hibernation but on a shorter time frame. It’s where an animals will suspend any unnecessary activity, and put all their energy towards their most necessary body functions. During this period, ants will look like they’re sleeping, but it can take them longer to wake up, compared to sleeping.
That being said, these behaviors will only allow them to survive certain temperatures and only for so long, so there are definitely limits to their abilities.
What Should You Do If You See Ants In Your Yard?
If you have a lawn that’s overrun by ants, it can be difficult but not impossible to eliminate them. We’ve tested hundreds of different methods on getting rid of lawn ants, but here are a few guides you should check out.
If you have ants, then you should look at our guide on the best ant killer for lawns, as well as using borax for ant infestations!
Final Thoughts On Ants and Extreme Temps
Pretty much any animal will have temps that are too extreme and can be lethal. But in the grand scheme of things ants are very good at dealing with extreme temperatures and it usually takes temperatures around 120 degrees Fahrenheit to kill ants as well as temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit to kill ants.
During times of extreme temperatures you’ll generally see ants spending more time underground in their nests because the temperatures are more regulated and not quite as extreme.
Thank you for reading our guide on what temperature do ants die, I hope this was helpful in understanding more about your ant infestation, as well as how to get rid of them!
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