When do ants that nest outdoors typically become pests indoors?

Ants that nest outdoors typically become pests indoors when they forage for food. This behavior occurs especially during warmer months or when food sources become scarce. When ants venture inside, they are often searching for sustenance to support their colony. It is during this foraging that they may invade homes, leading to pest problems, particularly if food is readily available indoors.

In contrast to foraging, ant migration for reproduction primarily involves swarming during specific times of the year to establish new colonies, which may not necessarily directly lead to indoor infestations. Similarly, while colony expansion can contribute to increased numbers of ants, it doesn't specifically trigger indoor invasions. Disturbance by environmental factors can cause ants to move, but it is in the specific act of foraging that their transition into indoor pests is most evident.