The Hidden Dangers of Ant Infestations in Perth Homes and Businesses

Are Ants Invading Your Home or Business?

Have you ever spotted a trail of ants marching across your kitchen bench or noticed them swarming around a food spill in your workplace? While these tiny insects might seem harmless at first glance, an unchecked ant infestation can quickly spiral into a serious problem for both homes and businesses in Perth.

Ants are one of the most persistent pests, invading properties in search of food, water, and shelter. Their ability to build vast underground networks and hide within walls, electrical systems, and even furniture makes them a challenge to eliminate. Beyond being a nuisance, ants can pose health risks, contaminate food, and even cause property damage. For businesses, an infestation can lead to failed health inspections, customer complaints, and damage to reputation.

So, what’s the best way to tackle these unwelcome invaders? Many people turn to supermarket sprays or DIY remedies, only to find the ants returning stronger than before. The reality is that these temporary fixes don’t address the root of the problem—the colony itself. That’s where professional pest control comes in. With effective ant treatments in Perth, you can eliminate the infestation at its source and prevent future outbreaks.

In this article, we’ll uncover the hidden dangers of ant infestations, explain why DIY solutions often fall short, and explore the best strategies to keep your property ant-free. If you think a few ants are no big deal, you might be surprised at what’s lurking beneath the surface.

Read: Seasonal Ant Problems in Perth: What to Expect & When to Act

 

Common Ant Species Found in Perth

Perth’s warm climate and suburban landscapes provide the perfect environment for ants to thrive. While they may all look similar at first glance, different ant species behave in unique ways—and identifying them correctly is crucial to effective removal. Below are the most common types of ants found in Perth homes and businesses.

Coastal Brown Ants (Pheidole megacephala)

One of the most widespread and persistent species in Perth, Coastal Brown Ants are notorious for building nests in wall cavities, under pavers, and inside electrical equipment. These ants often form multiple interconnected colonies, making them particularly hard to control. They’re drawn to sweet and fatty foods and often invade kitchens and rubbish areas in large numbers. If disturbed, they can bud—splitting into several new nests—spreading the infestation even further.

Black House Ants (Ochetellus glaber)

These shiny black ants are a common indoor pest in both homes and commercial properties. Known for their relentless foraging, Black House Ants are often seen trailing along walls, skirting boards, and benchtops. They prefer sugary substances and will aggressively seek out food scraps, crumbs, or sticky residues. Their small size allows them to access even the tightest spaces, making eradication tricky without professional help.

Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile)

Argentine Ants are an invasive species that can rapidly overrun an area. They’re highly aggressive toward other ant species and can dominate an entire property with supercolonies. Found in both residential and industrial zones, these ants thrive in moist environments—especially near plumbing, garden beds, and shaded outdoor areas. They pose a particular risk to food businesses due to their sheer numbers and persistence.

White-footed House Ants (Technomyrmex albipes)

As the name suggests, these ants have pale-coloured legs that distinguish them from other species. White-footed House Ants are often mistaken for Black House Ants, but their nesting behaviour is different—they don’t cause structural damage, but they are difficult to control because of their massive colonies and resistance to common baits. They typically nest in ceilings, wall voids, and under floors, and they’re drawn to sugary substances.

Why Species Identification Matters

Each ant species requires a different control strategy. What works for Coastal Brown Ants might be completely ineffective against Argentine or White-footed ants. That’s why accurate identification by a pest control professional—like the experts at Bug Busters—is key to long-term success. Knowing what kind of ant you’re dealing with can help determine the best baiting system, treatment method, and prevention approach.

Up next, we’ll explore why these tiny insects are far more than just a nuisance—and how they can cause serious issues if left untreated.

Read: How to Prevent Ant Infestations in Perth Homes

 

Why Ants Are More Than Just a Nuisance

Many people assume that ants are just an occasional inconvenience—annoying but harmless. However, an ant infestation can create a range of issues that go far beyond a few insects marching across the kitchen counter. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner in Perth, ignoring the early signs of an ant problem can lead to health hazards, property damage, and even financial loss. Let’s take a closer look at the hidden dangers ants can bring.

a. Property Damage

While ants are tiny, their nesting habits can have big consequences. Certain species, like Coastal Brown Ants and Argentine Ants, prefer to nest in hidden locations such as wall voids, roof spaces, insulation, and even inside power points or electrical wiring.

This can lead to:

• Disrupted wiring and short circuits
• Damage to insulation materials
• Hollowed-out timber if carpenter ants are involved (though less common in Perth)

Over time, the cumulative effect of their tunnelling and nesting can weaken structural components and create entry points for moisture and other pests.

b. Food Contamination

Ants are scavengers by nature, and they will go to great lengths to find food. Once they gain access to your pantry, kitchen, or commercial food prep area, they can contaminate any uncovered food with bacteria they pick up from unsanitary surfaces—such as rubbish bins, drains, and toilets.

This is especially concerning for:

• Households with children or immunocompromised residents
• Cafes, restaurants, and food retailers subject to health regulations
• Warehouses and storage facilities where contamination can affect stock

Even sealed packaging may not be safe, as some ant species are capable of chewing through thin plastic or cardboard.

c. Health Risks

While ants don’t typically carry diseases like some other pests, they can still pose health risks:

• Bites and skin irritation: Some ants, like bull ants, deliver painful stings that may cause swelling or allergic reactions.
• Allergies and asthma: Ant droppings, shed skin, and nesting materials can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms, especially in enclosed indoor environments.
• Bacterial spread: Ants that crawl across contaminated surfaces can leave behind pathogens on food preparation areas, increasing the risk of illness.

d. Business Reputation Damage

For businesses, particularly those in the hospitality or food industry, the presence of ants can quickly escalate from a minor annoyance to a major liability. Customers expect clean, pest-free environments, and seeing ants on the premises can severely damage your brand’s image.

Possible consequences include:

• Negative online reviews and social media posts
• Failed health inspections and fines
• Loss of customer trust and reduced foot traffic

Investing in expert ant pest control service not only eliminates the problem at its source but also safeguards your business reputation and ensures compliance with health standards.

As you can see, the risks of an ant infestation extend far beyond what meets the eye. In the next section, we’ll explain why DIY treatments often fall short—and what you should know before reaching for a can of spray.

Read: Spring is here – And so are the ants! – Bug Busters

 

Why DIY Ant Treatments Often Fail

When ants show up in your kitchen, office, or outdoor entertaining area, the first instinct is often to grab a can of insect spray from the supermarket. While this may provide temporary relief, the truth is that most DIY ant control methods only scratch the surface. Without addressing the root cause—the colony—you’re likely to see those ants return, often in greater numbers. Here’s why home remedies and off-the-shelf products rarely get the job done.

Spraying Only Kills the Foragers

Most people spray the visible ants they see marching along a bench, wall, or floor. These are the foragers—just a small portion of the colony tasked with finding food. Killing them might make it look like the problem is solved, but the colony continues to thrive hidden away in walls, gardens, or underground.

Meanwhile, the queen ant (or multiple queens, in some species) keeps reproducing, and more foragers will be back within days. In many cases, you’re only delaying the inevitable resurgence.

Ant Colonies Are Hard to Find

Ant nests can be incredibly well hidden. Depending on the species, they may nest:

• Inside walls or ceilings
• Beneath concrete slabs or garden pavers
• Behind kitchen cabinetry or in roof voids
• In electrical outlets or appliances

Unless you have the tools and expertise to track ant trails and locate these nests, you’re essentially fighting an invisible enemy. Without eliminating the source, DIY treatments remain ineffective.

Some Species Split When Threatened (Budding)

A lesser-known risk of DIY spraying is “budding”—a defensive response where a disturbed colony splits into multiple sub-colonies. This often happens when the queen senses danger, prompting workers to relocate and form new nests elsewhere on the property.

The result? You don’t get rid of the problem—you multiply it. Budding is particularly common in aggressive ant species like Coastal Brown Ants and Argentine Ants.

Incorrect Identification Leads to Wrong Treatment

There are dozens of ant species in Perth, and each one behaves differently when it comes to food preferences, nesting habits, and bait acceptance. What works for Black House Ants won’t work on White-footed Ants or Argentine Ants.

Without proper identification, you could waste time and money using the wrong bait, setting traps in ineffective areas, or applying repellents that only worsen the infestation. Professional ant extermination ensures that the treatment is tailored to the exact species and severity of the infestation, delivering long-lasting results.

DIY methods may seem convenient and cheap, but they rarely deliver a permanent solution. In the next section, we’ll break down how Bug Busters tackles ant infestations with proven strategies that work where home remedies fail.

 

The Bug Busters Approach to Ant Control

When it comes to ant infestations, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. Different species require different treatment methods, and eliminating just the visible ants won’t stop the infestation. At Bug Busters, we use a systematic, science-backed process to target the root cause of the problem—completely eradicating ants from your home or business. Here’s how our experienced ant infestation extermination service works.

Comprehensive Property Inspection

Before we apply any treatment, our pest control experts conduct a thorough inspection to determine:

• The species of ant involved
• The size and location of the infestation
• Potential entry points and nesting sites
• Contributing factors such as food sources, moisture levels, and structural weaknesses

By identifying the exact species and tracking their movement patterns, we can implement the most effective strategy for complete eradication.

Custom Treatment Plans

Every property and infestation is different, which is why we tailor our treatments to suit your specific needs. Our approach may include:

• Targeted Ant Baiting: We use specially formulated baits that attract foraging ants, which then carry the poison back to their colony, eliminating the entire nest. The type of bait used depends on the ant species and their feeding habits.
• Residual Sprays: For long-term protection, we apply professional-grade residual insecticides around entry points, garden beds, skirting boards, and other high-traffic areas to create a lasting barrier against ants.
• Dust Treatments: In cases where ants have nested in wall voids, roof spaces, or electrical outlets, we use dust treatments that penetrate deep into hidden areas to kill the colony at its source.
• Gel Applications: For businesses and homes where traditional sprays aren’t suitable (such as kitchens, food storage areas, or hospitals), we use low-toxicity gel treatments that target ants without posing risks to humans or pets.

Our treatments are designed to not only eliminate the current infestation but also prevent future outbreaks, ensuring long-term protection.

Eco-Friendly and Pet-Safe Solutions

We understand that many homeowners and business owners are concerned about the safety of pest control treatments, especially in environments with children, pets, or sensitive customers. That’s why Bug Busters prioritises eco-friendly solutions that are effective against ants but safe for your family, employees, and customers.

Whenever possible, we use non-toxic baits and low-impact treatments to minimise disruption while still achieving superior results.

Long-Term Prevention Strategies

Getting rid of ants is only part of the solution—preventing them from coming back is just as important. Our team provides expert guidance on:

• Sealing cracks and entry points around doors, windows, and walls
• Proper food storage to eliminate attractants
• Regular maintenance of garden areas to reduce nesting sites
• Moisture control to prevent ants from seeking water sources indoors

For businesses, we also offer scheduled pest management programs to ensure compliance with health regulations and avoid future infestations.

Follow-Up and Ongoing Support

Unlike DIY methods that offer short-lived relief, Bug Busters provides follow-up services to ensure the infestation is fully eradicated. If needed, we adjust our approach based on ongoing monitoring and feedback, guaranteeing that your home or business remains ant-free.

By choosing Bug Busters, you’re investing in a comprehensive, long-term solution rather than a temporary fix. In the next section, we’ll share simple yet effective prevention tips to help keep ants away from your property.

 

Prevention Tips for Homeowners and Business Owners

Even after professional ant control, prevention is key to keeping your home or workplace ant-free in the long run. Ants are opportunistic pests—if they find food, water, or shelter, they’ll be back. Fortunately, a few proactive steps can dramatically reduce your risk of re-infestation. Here are some practical, proven prevention tips tailored for both residential and commercial properties.

Seal Entry Points

Ants are tiny and can squeeze through the smallest gaps in your walls, windows, and foundation. To keep them out:

• Seal cracks in walls, skirting boards, and tiles with caulk or filler.
• Install weatherstripping on doors and windows.
• Repair any torn flyscreens or loose window frames.
• Cover weep holes with mesh that still allows ventilation.

Regularly inspecting your property’s exterior can help catch new entry points before they become a problem.

Store Food Properly

Food is the number one reason ants invade homes and businesses. Once they find a food source, they’ll alert the rest of the colony. To avoid attracting them:

• Store pantry items like sugar, rice, and cereal in airtight containers.
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Wipe down jars and bottles that may have sticky residue.
• Keep fruit in the fridge or sealed fruit bowls rather than out in the open.

For commercial kitchens and food businesses, follow strict food handling protocols and clean up spills immediately.

Clean Up Crumbs and Spills Quickly

Ants can detect even the smallest trace of food. Keep your surfaces spotless by:

• Wiping down benches, tables, and floors daily.
• Vacuuming regularly, especially in hidden corners and under furniture.
• Promptly cleaning spills—especially sugary drinks and sauces.
• Taking out the rubbish frequently and using bins with tight-fitting lids.

In workplaces, encourage staff to eat in designated areas and clean up after themselves to prevent infestations in communal kitchens.

Maintain Outdoor Areas

Many ant infestations begin outside—then migrate indoors when the colony grows or the weather changes. Maintain your yard and building exterior by:

• Trimming plants and branches that touch the house.
• Removing mulch or debris piled near walls or foundations.
• Keeping garden beds tidy and free of food scraps.
• Avoiding overwatering, which can attract ants to moist soil.

Pay particular attention to outdoor bins and compost heaps, which are common ant attractants.

Control Moisture and Water Sources

Ants, like all living things, need water. Leaks and damp areas inside your property can draw them indoors. Reduce moisture by:

• Repairing leaky taps, pipes, and appliances.
• Using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to control humidity.
• Keeping sinks and drains clean and dry when not in use.
• Ensuring gutters and downpipes are not blocked or overflowing.

For commercial properties, ensure regular plumbing maintenance is part of your building management plan.

Schedule Regular Pest Inspections

Even if your property seems pest-free, routine inspections can catch early signs of ant activity before it becomes a serious issue. Professionals can:

• Identify ant species early.
• Check for hidden nests or high-risk zones.
• Provide preventative treatments or recommendations.

For businesses, especially those in the food and hospitality industries, regular pest inspections are essential for staying compliant with health and safety standards.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can dramatically reduce the risk of ant infestations. But when prevention isn’t enough, professional help ensures ants are removed quickly and completely. In the next section, we’ll explore when it’s time to call in the experts.

 

When to Call in the Experts

While prevention and vigilance can go a long way, there are times when professional intervention is the only way to regain control over an ant problem. Ant colonies are incredibly resilient, and what seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly grow into a major infestation. Here’s how to know when it’s time to stop trying DIY fixes and call in the experts.

Persistent Trails and Activity

If you’ve eliminated food sources, cleaned thoroughly, and applied over-the-counter sprays—but the ants keep coming back—it’s a sign the colony is well-established. Ants follow pheromone trails to mark routes to and from food, and unless the source of these trails is completely removed, the problem will persist.

A steady stream of ants over several days or weeks indicates that there’s likely a nest hidden nearby, and it won’t be resolved with surface-level treatments.

Multiple Nesting Sites or Large Colonies

Some ant species, such as Argentine or Coastal Brown Ants, are capable of forming supercolonies with multiple nests spread across your property. You may notice ants emerging from different areas, such as wall cavities, skirting boards, garden beds, or even electrical outlets.

When nests are spread out and difficult to locate, professional detection tools and treatment strategies are essential. Ignoring or inadequately treating such infestations can lead to budding, where one colony splits into several new ones—making the issue even harder to manage.

Electrical or Structural Issues

Believe it or not, ants can cause damage to your home’s wiring and internal structures. Nesting ants in wall voids and roof spaces may chew through insulation or wires, creating fire hazards or causing appliances to short out.

If you’ve noticed flickering lights, faulty switches, or unexplained electrical issues alongside ant activity, it’s critical to get both an electrician and pest control expert involved before the situation escalates.

Infestations in High-Risk Environments

Certain environments require immediate and thorough pest control due to their sensitivity. These include:

• Food preparation areas (homes or commercial kitchens)
• Healthcare facilities or aged care centres
• Childcare and schools
• Warehouses or storage facilities

In such settings, even a minor ant presence can violate health regulations or create serious health risks. Reliable ant infestation extermination is not only recommended—it’s essential to maintaining safety, hygiene, and compliance.

Recurring Infestations Despite DIY Treatment

If you’ve tried sprays, baits, or natural remedies multiple times with only short-term results, it’s time to seek expert help. Recurrent ant infestations often indicate a deeper problem, such as multiple queens, inaccessible nesting sites, or the use of incorrect products.

A pest control expert will not only identify the root cause but will also ensure the correct treatment is applied based on the specific species and environment.

When ants overstay their welcome, don’t wait until they’ve taken over your kitchen, walls, or wiring. Knowing when to call in the professionals can save you time, money, and stress. In the final section, we’ll wrap things up with a reminder of why early action is the best defence.

 

Don’t Let Ants Take Over Your Property

Have you noticed ants invading your kitchen, office, or outdoor areas despite your best efforts to keep them out? While a few ants might seem like a minor issue, infestations can escalate quickly—leading to food contamination, structural damage, and even electrical hazards. The longer an ant problem is ignored, the harder it becomes to control.

At Bug Busters, we understand the frustration of dealing with persistent ants. That’s why we offer a pest control service in Perth designed to eliminate ant infestations at the source. Our expert team uses targeted treatments, eco-friendly solutions, and long-term prevention strategies to ensure your home or business stays ant-free.

Don’t wait until ants take over—take action today. Contact Bug Busters for a professional assessment and customised treatment plan. Whether you need immediate extermination or ongoing protection, we have the expertise to keep your property safe from these relentless pests. Book your ant control service now and reclaim your space!