Although they don’t hibernate, ants go into a dormancy period known as “diapause”. As temperatures plummet and ants enter diapause, ants become less active. This makes them appear sluggish or immobile but allows them to utilize very little stored energy, as they do not eat, drink, or lay eggs during this period. Unlike some pests and animals, ants do not fall into a deep slumber in the winter. Instead, they find their way inside or rest several feet deep into the soil where temperatures are more consistent and the elements cannot reach them.