Why Ants Are Still Active in October Around Des Moines Homes

When Des Moines cools down, many people expect pests to fade. But ants still show up on counters, patios, and in basements in October. Mosquitoes and wasps slow down, yet ants can stay active well into fall.

Ants in Des Moines in October are common. They shift habits to survive. Unlike other pests, they move closer to homes for warmth and a steady food source.

If you see ants late in the season, you are not alone. Miller Pest & Termite helps homes in Iowa, Omaha, and across the Midwest with fall ant problems. Learn why ants stay active in October and how to keep them out.

Key Takeaways

• Ants in homes in Des Moines often move indoors in October, seeking warmth and food.
  
  
• Common ants, such as pavement ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants, remain active into the fall.
  
  
• Ant infestations worsen when colonies move into basements, crawl spaces, and foundations.
  
  
• Professional pest control in Iowa and Omaha prevents ant problems from becoming year-round issues.
  
  

Why Ants Stay Active in October

In October, cooler weather prompts ants to seek stable shelter and food. Homes in Des Moines offer warmth and convenience, including easy access to essentials like pet food and pantry items.

Odorous house ants and pavement ants stay active when they find moisture and food. Kitchens are one of the first places they appear, since crumbs and spills give them easy access. If you wonder why you keep finding ants in your kitchen, the answer is usually a steady food source.

Warm fall days can trigger sudden ant activity, and this often connects to how colonies expand during seasonal changes. Understanding how ant colonies expand in late summer and fall provides insight into why infestations typically peak just before winter. Without solid ant control, the problem can last until a hard freeze.

Common Types of Ants Seen in Fall

In October, you will see three main ants in Des Moines and Omaha: carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants. Carpenter ants damage wet or soft wood. Odorous house ants trail in large lines and smell bad when crushed. Pavement ants nest under driveways and sidewalks, and they wander inside in search of food.

Each species needs different treatment. DIY baits can effectively eliminate surface ants, but they often overlook ant nests in walls, crawl spaces, and basements.

Where Ants Nest Around Homes

In the fall, colonies often move. Common nesting spots include cracks by the foundation, under slabs, and inside insulation. Basements and crawl spaces are high-risk areas because they tend to remain warm and moist. Bathrooms are another common spot, often due to leaks or damp flooring, which explains what’s causing ants in your bathroom in Des Moines.

Seal entry points to keep ants out year-round. Caulk windows, seal gaps in siding, and repair leaks to reduce moisture and improve access.

Why Ant Infestations Need Attention

If you ignore fall ants, the problem can grow. Carpenter ants weaken wood. Odorous house ants contaminate food. Fast growth turns larvae into workers that spread before winter.

People often confuse termites and carpenter ants, mainly when they nest near wood. Knowing how to tell the difference between termites & carpenter ants can help, but a professional inspection is the best way to obtain an accurate identification and treatment.

Professional Ant Control Options

Hiring local pest control experts is the most effective way to prevent ants from entering your home before winter. At Miller Pest & Termite, our exterminators utilize proven ant control services specifically designed for homes in the Midwest. We inspect for entry points, identify nesting sites, and provide long-lasting treatments that protect against ants and other pests.

We also handle other pests, from common summer pests in the Midwest to termites, for homes in Des Moines, Omaha, and the Midwest.

Making the Right Pest Control Choice for Des Moines Homes

Ant problems in October illustrate how quickly pests can adapt when seasonal changes occur. Small signs, such as trails near food or activity in basements, often become bigger issues by winter. Acting early saves time and prevents costly damage.

At Miller Pest & Termite, we offer trusted solutions for homes across Iowa and Omaha, with pest control services designed explicitly for Midwest homes to prevent ants from infesting your property.

Contact us today to schedule your inspection and keep your home protected.

FAQs

Why are ants still active in October around Des Moines?

Ants remain active in October because they move indoors in search of warmth, shelter, and food. Mild Midwest falls keep ant colonies busy well past summer.

Which types of ants are most common in Iowa homes during the fall?

Carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants are the most common species in Des Moines and Omaha homes during October.

How can I prevent ant infestations in the fall?

Seal entry points with caulk, repair leaks that create standing water, and keep food stored properly sealed. For lasting results, contact a reputable pest control company, such as Miller Pest & Termite, for effective ant control services.