The Ultimate Guide Rover Ants: Everything You Need to Know

What Are Rover Ants?

Rover ants are small, light brown ants that are known for their long legs and quick movements. They are named “hairy crazy ants” due to their erratic behavior. These ants are native to South America, but have become an invasive species in many parts of the world, including the southern United States, particularly Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. Typically they build their nests in protected areas like wall voids or under rocks, and are often found in warm, humid environments.

Rover ants are a particularly difficult species to control due to their large colony sizes and fast reproduction rates. A single colony can contain millions of ants, making it nearly impossible to completely eliminate the infestation without professional help.

How to Identify Rover Ants

If you’re not sure if you’re dealing with rover ants, there are a few key characteristics to look out for. Rover ants are small, ranging in size from 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length. They have long, thin legs and antennae, and their bodies are covered in fine hairs. These ants are light brown in color and have a slightly darker head and thorax. They move quickly and erratically, which is why they’re sometimes called “crazy ants.”

While rover ants may look similar to other ant species, their behavior and movement patterns are unique. Furthermore, they often move in large groups, crawling over and around one another in a seemingly chaotic manner. Surprisingly, they are also known for their ability to quickly spread out and form new colonies, making them difficult to control.

Why Are Rover Ants a Problem?

While rover ants don’t pose any direct health risks to humans, they can be a nuisance pest. Whereas, these ants often enter homes in search of food and water, and once they find a source, they will continue to return. Additionally, they are also known for their ability to form large colonies quickly, which can make them difficult to control. Moreover, if left unchecked, rover ants can cause damage to electrical equipment and other sensitive devices.

Prevention Tips for Rover Ants

Preventing a rover ant infestation starts with making your home or business less attractive to these pests. Here are some tips to help you keep rover ants at bay:

1. Keep your home clean and free of food debris. Rover ants are attracted to food sources, so keeping your home clean and free of crumbs and spills is important.
2. Store food in sealed containers. Any open food containers are a potential food source for rover ants. Keep all food, including pet food, in sealed containers.
3. Seal any cracks or openings in your home’s exterior. Rover ants can enter through the tiniest of cracks or openings in your home’s exterior, so sealing these areas can help keep them out.
4. Keep your yard tidy and free of debris. Rover ants can also build their nests outside, so keeping your yard tidy and free of debris can help prevent infestations.
5. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets. Moisture can attract ants, so fixing any leaky pipes or faucets is important for preventing rover ants from entering your home.
6. Keep pet food and water bowls clean and dry. Pet food and water bowls are a potential food source for rover ants, so keeping them clean and dry can help prevent infestations.

 

How to Control Rover Ants

If you already have a rover ant infestation, there are several methods you can use to control the problem. Here are some options to consider:

1. Use ant baits to attract and kill rover ants. Ant baits are a popular choice for controlling rover ant infestations. These baits contain a slow-acting poison that is carried back to the colony by the worker ants, ultimately resulting in the death of the colony.
2. Apply a residual insecticide to the perimeter of your home or business. Residual insecticides are a type of pesticide that can be applied to the perimeter of your home or business to prevent ants from entering. These insecticides can provide long-lasting protection against rover ants and other ant species.
3. Use a non-repellent insecticide to target the ants directly. Non-repellent insecticides are pesticides that the ants cannot detect, allowing them to come into contact with the poison and spread it throughout the colony.
4. Work with a professional pest control company to develop a customized treatment plan. A professional pest control company has the knowledge and experience needed to effectively eliminate rover ant infestations. They can develop a customized treatment plan based on the severity of the infestation and the specific needs of your property.

It’s important to note that while DIY methods can be effective for controlling small ant infestations, larger infestations require the help of a professional pest control company. A professional company can ensure that the infestation is completely eliminated, and can also provide ongoing prevention services to keep your property ant-free.

The Importance of Professional Pest Control

Professional pest control is essential for eliminating rover ant infestations and preventing future problems. A professional company has the knowledge, tools, and experience needed to effectively control ant infestations. They can also provide ongoing prevention services to keep your property pest-free.

In addition to pest control services, a professional company can also provide advice on how to make your property less attractive to ants and other pests. This can include recommendations for landscaping, structural repairs, and other preventative measures.

Conclusion on Rover Ants

Rover ants may be a common pest, but with the right knowledge and prevention strategies, you can keep them at bay. Whether you’re dealing with a small infestation or a larger problem, remember that prevention is key. By taking steps to make your home or business less attractive to rover ants and working with a professional pest control company when needed, you can keep these pests from taking over your property.

In this Ultimate Guide Rover Ants, we’ve covered everything from identification to control, and we hope it has provided you with the information you need to understand and control these pesky ants. If you’re dealing with a rover ant infestation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional pest control company for help. They can develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate your ant problem and keep your home or business pest-free.