Ant Life Cycle Facts | What Is The Lifespan Of An Ant? - Orkin

Skip to Content

Call 877-819-5061

ResidentialCommercial

Find My Branch

• Pest Control

• Termite Control

• Home Services

• Pest Library

• Orkin Difference

Join the Orkin Pros

My AccountFind My BranchContact Us

GET A QUOTEOrkinHow long do ants live?

Factors Determining an Ant's Lifespan

Longevity of ants depends upon a number of factors such as:

• Ant species

• Ant colony caste

• Location

• Predation on the colony

• Food quality and abundance

• Access to protective shelter

It also depends on whether the ant in question is living in its natural habitat or is living in a laboratory setting.

Caste in Ant Colonies Determines Lifespan

Generally, ants have a short life cycle, but some colony members can live from as little as a few days to as long as a few decades. Probably one of the most important factors affecting lifespan is the respective ant’s caste; the queens, males, and workers that occupy the ant colony.

Male Ants - Male adults live for only a few days and die after mating with the females.

Queen Ants - Ant queens, the egg-laying members of the colony, are the most long-lived colony members and may live for multiple years.

Worker Ants - Workers, the non-reproducing female adult stage that does most of the work needed to properly support and maintain the colony, live for a few weeks to several months.

Different Ant Species Have Different Lifespans

Another important factor affecting longevity of ants is species. For comparison, odorous house ant workers, a commonly seen ant inside homes, tend to live about two to three years, while a fire ant worker lives only about five weeks.

Food Affects an Ant’s Lifespan

However, the longevity of workers is greatly affected by the availability of food and the quality of food they consume. Workers are the caste that sacrifices their well-being for the overall health and well-being of the entire colony. If food sources become scarce, workers commonly eat less than other colony members and thus ensure sufficient food resources are available for continued heartiness of colony members other than themselves.

Learn More About Ants

How Do I Get Rid of Carpenter Ants in My Home?

Learn how to identify, prevent, and eliminate carpenter ants in your home with expert advice from Orkin.

Get Rid of Forelius Pruinosus

Explore key facts about Forelius pruinosus, a heat-tolerant ant species commonly found in dry environments. Learn about their behavior, habitat, and how to manage infestations effectively.

Get Rid of Asian Needle Ants

Asian needle ants are an invasive species known for their painful stings and ability to outcompete native ants. Learn about their behavior, preferred habitats, and the risks they pose to both humans and the environment.

Tiny Flying Ants in the Basement

Tiny flying ants in your basement could be swarmers, reproductive ants looking to establish a new colony.

Bugs That Look Like Ants

Some insects closely resemble ants but have key differences in behavior and appearance. Learn how to distinguish ants from look-alike pests and identify the best approach for managing them.

DIY Ant Treatments

DIY ant treatments can provide temporary relief, but they often fail to address the root of the infestation. Explore common home remedies, their limitations, and why professional treatment may be more effective.

Resources

Ants Home Protection

How to Keep Fire Ants Away from Pets and Pet Food

Do Ants Sting or Bite Humans and Pets?

Can Ants Smell? | Ant Behaviors & Habits

How Do Ants Reproduce?

Do Carpenter Ants Bite? | Ant Pest Control

What happens when the creepy critters make their way inside?

Black Harvester Ants

Identification of Velvet Ant

There are little black bugs crawling in my bathroom.

Species of Fire Ants in the United States

Get a quote today

Eliminate pests and prevent future problems.

We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

877-819-5061