What Is A Rover Ant?
A rover ant is a tiny ant, around 1/12 to 1/16 of an inch long, pale blond to dark brown in color, and will usually be found in bushes, shrubs, mulched areas, and near decaying wood. When these ants come in close to a home, they explore every inch of a foundation for entry points to exploit. While they don't bite or sting, this invasive ant species can be a real nuisance. Here are some ways you can control your exposure.
Rover Ant Control
- Like all ants, rover ants can be deterred by sealing up holes, gaps, and cracks in your exterior walls. Examine your foundation walls closely, especially around pipes, wire conduit, and other objects that pass through. If you find an entry point, no matter how small, use liquid cement, a caulking gun, or some other method to seal things up.
- Since rover ants are drawn to moist and rotting wood, all efforts to move wood away from your perimeter will help reduce the populations of these ants. If you have mulch, consider making a barrier of crushed rock 2 feet from your walls. If you have construction materials or stacked wood, move these items several feet away. If there are any areas around your home that are being damaged by water, address them as soon as possible.
- Keep your leaves raked up and stick litter to a minimum.
- If you have potted plants outside, be aware that rover ants will be drawn to these.
- Rover ants eat the honeydew produced by aphids, so any plants you have that are being fed on by aphids will be an attractant for rover ants.
- If rover ants have invaded your basement, the use of dehumidifiers and fans can reduce humidity and moisture levels enough to make the environment of your home inhospitable to these insects.
Chemical Control
It is not suggested to use chemicals to control these insects. Chemicals do not address the problem in a systematic way and can be harmful to humans and pet animals.
Professional Pest Control
These nuisance ants are best controlled through inspection, baiting, and monitoring done by a professional pest control technician. When proper baits are applied, colonies are reduced, and the nuisance these insects can cause is reduced.
If you live in Katy, Texas or the surrounding area, and need assistance with a rover ant problem, contact Modern Pest Control. Our QualityPro-Certified team has the answers you need for all of your pest problems. Reach out to us today to get started.