The Rover Ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus) is dark brown to black and typically measures 1/16 inch. The rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus) is a small, dark brown to black ant that has become an increasingly common household pest in Arizona and the broader Southwest. Workers are tiny — barely 1/16.

The Rover Ant is generally low-risk, but caution is still advised. No sting; not medically dangerous. Food contamination. Difficult to eliminate due to multiple queens and dispersed nesting sites.

In Arizona, rover ants are most often encountered in the following situations: Tiny dark ants in kitchens, bathrooms, and along baseboards. Trails near moisture sources — under sinks, around pipes, near HVAC condensate lines. No distinctive odor when crushed.

The Rover Ant is most active during: Year-round; most active spring through fall. Arizona's warm desert climate can extend activity periods compared to other states, so year-round vigilance is recommended in the Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.

Fix moisture leaks. Seal entry points around pipes and baseboards. Store food in sealed containers. Treat perimeter regularly.

Non-repellent bait placed along active trails. Perimeter treatment with residual insecticide. Repeat service often needed.

Most store-bought ant sprays kill only the workers you see, while the queen and colony remain protected underground. Effective Rover Ant control requires baiting or targeted colony treatments that workers carry back to the nest. Pest Control Bros uses professional-grade products and application methods that address the entire colony.