Rover Ants in Anaheim
Rover worker ants are tiny insects, measuring only about 1/16 inch in size. They come in various colors, ranging from black and dark brown to pale blonde. These ants are monomorphic, which means they have a uniform size. They have distinctive features like 9-segmented antennae without a club and a 1-segmented petiole tucked beneath their abdomen. Unlike some other ants, rover ants do not have stingers, and their thorax has an uneven shape with a humped front portion.
Rover Ant Habitats
Rover ants are originally from Texas, and since 2015, they have become more common throughout the state, occasionally causing nuisance problems indoors. Despite their increasing presence, rover ants are not considered dangerous because they do not bite or sting humans. These ants typically form small colonies with a single queen, usually nesting in soil, rotting wood, potted plants, or wall voids. They are often associated with aphids and mealy bugs, feeding on the sugary liquid produced by these insects. Rover ants reproduce through mating flights during summer evenings.
Rover Ant Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Rover ants are not considered dangerous to your home or health as they do not bite, sting, or cause serious property damage. These ants usually remain outdoors where they can feed on honeydew from insects like aphids, and problematic infestations are rare. However, if you have an overabundance of rover ants or keep finding them indoors, you may want to contact a licensed ant control specialist to control the colony before it spreads to other areas of your property.
