Rover Ants

What do rover ants look like?

Rover ants are extremely tiny, measuring just 1/12 to 1/16 of an inch long. These ants come in varying colors, typically dark brown to black or pale yellow. Their size and color diversity can make them difficult to identify without magnification. With a closer look, you’ll spot their nine-segmented antennae, large eyes, and distinct humped thoraxes.

What do rover ants eat?

Commonly referred to as sugar ants, rover ants strongly prefer sweets. They feed on honeydew, nectar, tree sap, and other natural sugary substances. They are drawn to sugar granules, honey, jam, syrup, and other sweet foods when indoors. Though they prefer sweets, they’ll also consume dead insects and other protein sources when available.

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Do rover ants sting or bite?

Rover ants cannot sting as they lack a stinger. While they can bite, they do not generally exhibit aggressive biting behavior, even if their nests are disturbed or they are handled.

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What attracts rover ants to homes?

Rover ants are attracted by food and water. Their foraging preferences include:

• Honeydew from aphids and other insects
• Nectar from flowering weeds
• Condiments
• Hummingbird feeders

In addition to sugary foods, they seek out water and invade homes with moisture problems or high pest populations.

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How do rover ants get inside?

Rover ants enter through small openings, including:

• Worn weatherstripping or door sweeps
• Gaps around door or window frames
• Cracks in foundations
• Rotted wood
• Unprotected vents

Even well-sealed homes are vulnerable to rover ants, and exterior treatments are essential for preventing their entry.

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Where do rover ants typically nest?

Outdoors, rover ants nest in a variety of places like:

• Leaf piles
• Under dead branches or tree trunks
• Behind loose bark
• Beneath stones or in mulch

Indoors, they nest in hidden spaces such as behind appliances, inside wall voids or electrical outlets, near plumbing, and behind baseboards.

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Why do I see rover ants mostly in kitchens and bathrooms?

Kitchens and bathrooms offer the ideal environment for rover ants. Kitchens provide food scraps, sticky condiments, trash, and crumbs, while bathrooms offer high humidity and accessible water sources. Both rooms create a perfect habitat for these tiny pests.

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Should I be concerned if I only see a few rover ants?

Seeing just a few rover ants might not seem alarming, but contacting a professional for an inspection is wise. A pest control technician can help identify the source of the ants and eliminate the problem before they grow into a more significant infestation.

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What’s the best way to eliminate rover ants?

For help getting rid of rover ants, contact Big Time Pest Control. Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company offers effective pest treatments to eradicate ant infestations, no matter how severe. Moreover, we provide year-round pest control services to keep these pests away! 

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How do I prevent rover ants from coming inside?

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent rover ants from entering your home:

• Control lawn weeds to eliminate nectar and sap sources.
• Manage aphid populations and other pests in your yard.
• Keep grass trimmed and plants well-maintained to reduce humidity.
• Repair pipe or sprinkler leaks.
• Seal exterior gaps and holes with caulking or expanding foam.
• Replace weatherproofing and torn window screens.