Pavement Ants in Wichita and Kansas City: Why You See Them in Winter

Q: Do pavement ants damage my home?

They generally do not harm property, but they can get into food and be hard to control.

Q: Why are ants inside in winter?

Pavement ants can appear indoors any time of year, but they are seen inside more often in winter.

Matthew Johnston

4 days ago

2 min read

Tiny ants marching across your kitchen counter in November? That is a classic pavement ant visit. Here is what to know.

Quick Answers

Pavement ants are about 1/4 inch long.
They nest in soil under objects, even under a home's concrete slab.
You can see them indoors any time of year, but more often in winter.
They do not usually harm your home, but they can get into food.

Why are ants in my house in winter?

Think of a restaurant with a warm kitchen on a cold night. Everyone wants in. A nest under your slab or patio stays closer to warmth and food when the weather turns. So the trail leads indoors.

What can you do today?

Wipe up crumbs, spills and sticky spots.
Store food in sealed containers, including pet food.
Follow the trail to see where ants come in. Look at baseboards, door frames and cracks.
Seal small gaps around doors, windows and pipes.
Take a clear photo so a pro can confirm the ant type.

Why does the ant type matter?

University of Minnesota Extension says different ant types can need different treatments, and ants are hard to tell apart from a picture. Some are a nuisance only. Others, like carpenter ants, can harm wood. Knowing which one you have is step one.

When should you call a pro?

Call when the trail keeps coming back after you clean. Call when the nest may be under a slab, where you cannot reach it. Bug Shockers is local and family-owned, with no contracts and a 5.0-star rating on Google. Ant control is its own service with us. Wichita: (316) 775-7867. Overland Park and Kansas City: (913) 222-2847.

Learn more: ant control and our complete guide to ants in Wichita and Kansas City.