What You Should Know about Ant Infestation

Stewarts Pest Control • May 27, 2025

Ever noticed an endless trail of ants marching through your kitchen or across your patio? You’re not alone. In Perth, ants are one of the most common household pests, and while they may seem harmless at first, infestations can quickly spiral out of control. These tiny invaders can damage property, contaminate food, and cause significant frustration. That's where professional expertise becomes essential. At Stewarts Pest Control, we specialise in providing targeted solutions for ant control in Perth, helping homeowners reclaim their space with long-term peace of mind.

This guide explores why ants are such a persistent problem in Perth, the signs to watch for, common mistakes to avoid, and the most effective strategies to eliminate and prevent infestations. With over 70 years of local pest control experience, Stewarts Pest Control has been protecting Perth homes since 1954. We are here to arm you with the knowledge and solutions needed to keep ants out of your home for good.

Why Ants Are So Persistent in Perth

Ant infestations are particularly common in Perth due to the region's warm, dry climate. These conditions allow ants to remain active throughout much of the year, unlike in colder regions where they become dormant. Perth's suburbs, with their lush gardens and food-rich environments, provide ideal nesting sites for ants, especially species like the coastal brown ant and Argentine ant.

Popular ant species in Perth include:

- Coastal Brown Ants: Known for nesting in garden beds, paving, and wall cavities.

- Argentine Ants: Aggressive and known to displace native species.

- Black House Ants: Often found trailing in kitchens and bathrooms.

These species have large colonies and complex social structures, making them difficult to control without a targeted approach. Some ants even form multiple queens within a colony, which means that DIY methods often only kill the workers, leaving the colony intact to regroup and repopulate.

Moisture also plays a role. Ants seek water sources during dry seasons, often entering homes through cracks or small openings. They leave pheromone trails that guide others to food or water, rapidly turning a few scouts into an army of intruders.

Without a long-term prevention plan, it's common to see ant problems return year after year. That’s why effective treatment requires more than just a quick spray—it demands a comprehensive strategy that targets the entire colony.

Signs You Have an Ant Problem

Many Perth homeowners only realise they have an ant infestation when it's already well established. Ants are sneaky and persistent, and by the time you notice their presence, they may have created nests inside walls, under paving, or in your garden.

Here are common signs to look out for:

- Visible trails: If you see a line of ants heading to and from a food or water source, you're likely looking at an established trail connected to a nearby nest.

- Frequent sightings: Ants in the kitchen, bathroom, or around pet bowls are usually on the hunt for food and water.

- Piles of dirt or sand: These may appear near cracks in paving, indicating underground nests.

- Soft rustling in walls: In rare cases, large colonies may be active enough to produce audible movement in wall cavities.

It’s not uncommon to notice an increase in activity after rainfall or during warmer months. That’s when ants are most likely to migrate in search of food and nesting sites.

The challenge is that ants often nest in hidden or hard-to-reach areas, meaning you could be dealing with a full-scale infestation even if you only see a few ants. Waiting until it becomes a daily issue usually means the colony has already grown significantly.

Being proactive is key. Early detection allows for more effective treatment and limits the risk of widespread infestations. Stewarts Pest Control can help identify the species and tailor a treatment plan that gets to the root of the problem.

Common DIY Mistakes That Make Ant Problems Worse

When ants appear, many homeowners rush to the supermarket for surface sprays or homemade remedies. Unfortunately, these quick fixes often do more harm than good. Without understanding the biology and behaviour of ants, DIY efforts may end up spreading the infestation rather than eliminating it.

Here are the most common mistakes:

- Using only surface sprays: These kill visible ants but do nothing to affect the nest. Worse, they can cause the colony to "bud," creating multiple new nests and worsening the infestation.

- Blocking the trail: Wiping away ant trails may clean up the mess but doesn't stop the source. The ants will find another path and reestablish the trail.

- Inconsistent treatment: Applying products sporadically or changing approaches too often doesn’t allow for effective colony elimination.

- Using the wrong bait: Different ant species require different bait formulas. What works for black ants might not work for Argentine ants, for example.

- Ignoring entry points: Treating the symptoms without sealing off entry points means ants will return repeatedly.

Many over-the-counter solutions are not formulated to target the specific species commonly found in Perth. Without identifying the right ant, even the best store-bought bait won’t be effective. In the worst-case scenario, it may even encourage the ants to avoid bait altogether.

Effective ant pest control relies on a holistic approach. That includes identification, baiting, residual barrier treatments, and sealing entry points. These are all services offered by Stewarts Pest Control, designed to deliver long-lasting results rather than temporary relief.

Professional Ant Control Solutions That Work

While DIY methods may provide short-term satisfaction, professional treatments are the most reliable way to tackle ant infestations at the source. Stewarts Pest Control takes a systematic, science-based approach to ensure lasting results for homes across Perth.

Our process includes:

1. Thorough inspection: We identify the species and assess the extent of the infestation, nesting locations, and entry points.

2. Targeted baiting: Custom-formulated baits are used depending on the ant species. These are carried back to the nest, wiping out the colony from within.

3. Residual treatments: Safe, low-toxicity sprays are applied to key areas to create an invisible barrier that prevents future access.

4. Nest treatment (if required): For large colonies or repeated issues, we treat the nests directly to ensure complete elimination.

Our technicians are trained to assess external and internal factors that may be contributing to the issue, from landscaping conditions to moisture problems. We also provide advice on sealing cracks, managing food waste, and preventing re-entry.

All our treatments are child and pet-safe, and we work to minimise environmental impact while delivering high-performance results. Whether you're battling invasive Argentine ants or require black ant pest control in Perth, we have the right tools and know-how to get the job done.

Don’t leave your home vulnerable to reinfestation. Trust the experts to handle it once and for all.

Preventing Future Infestations

Ant control doesn’t end when the last ant is gone. Prevention is essential to keeping your home pest-free in the long run. After successful treatment, Stewarts Pest Control offers expert guidance to make sure ants don’t return.

Here are some simple, effective prevention strategies:

- Seal cracks and crevices: Use caulk to block entry points around windows, doors, and skirting boards.

- Store food securely: Keep dry goods in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills promptly.

- Remove water sources: Fix leaking taps, don’t leave pet bowls out overnight, and keep sink areas dry.

- Manage outdoor waste: Use sealed bins, clean up barbecue areas, and remove fallen fruit from the garden.

- Trim back vegetation: Keep branches and shrubs away from walls to prevent ants from using them as bridges.

Scheduling regular inspections ensures early detection and rapid response before small issues become big ones. We also offer seasonal treatments as part of our pest management plans to protect your property year-round.

With consistent maintenance and a little help from the professionals, you can stop ants from turning your home into their next nesting ground.

learn how to manage ants at Stewarts Pest Control

Why Choose Stewarts Pest Control for Ant Control in Perth

When it comes to ant control in Perth, local knowledge matters. Stewarts Pest Control has been protecting Perth homes and businesses for over 60 years. As a WA family-owned business, we pride ourselves on friendly service, expert advice, and proven pest control methods.

Here’s what sets us apart:

- Tailored solutions: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our treatments are customised to your home, pest species, and infestation level.

- Experienced technicians: Fully licensed, highly trained, and equipped with the latest pest control technology.

- Safe and effective: Our treatments are low-toxicity and designed to be safe for families, pets, and the environment.

- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or pushy upsells—just honest service you can rely on.

- Guaranteed satisfaction: If ants return within a specified period, we’ll come back and retreat at no extra charge.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor nuisance or a full-blown infestation, Stewarts Pest Control delivers real solutions that last. Forget calling just any exterminator – choose the team that knows Perth, knows pests, and knows how to get results.

Stop the Ants Before They March In

Tired of playing hide and seek with ants in your own home? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to deal with it alone, either. Ant infestations in Perth are a persistent and frustrating issue, but they don’t have to be a permanent one.

From understanding the types of ants invading your space to choosing professional solutions that work, the path to a pest-free home starts with the right help. Stewarts Pest Control offers expert ant pest control backed by decades of local experience and tailored strategies that provide peace of mind long after the ants are gone.

Ready to take back control? Contact Stewarts Pest Control today for a free quote or to book your comprehensive inspection. Visit https://www.stewartspestcontrol.com.au/ to get started.

Don’t wait until the problem multiplies—your solution is just a call away.

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How to Keep Dangerous and Nuisance Spiders Out of Your Home

By 100001749567 • June 17, 2025

Have you ever walked into a room only to find a large spider on the wall or hanging from the ceiling? It’s a heart-stopping moment many Perth residents have experienced. While some spiders are harmless and even helpful in controlling other insects, others can pose real health risks, especially to children and pets. Whether it’s venomous bites or unwanted webs in every corner, spiders are a common nuisance that homeowners would rather live without. At Stewart Pest Control , we understand the discomfort and anxiety that come with unwanted eight-legged visitors. With over 60 years of experience protecting WA homes, we offer effective spider pest control solutions that give you peace of mind year-round. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common spiders in Perth, why infestations happen, and what you can do to protect your home inside and out.

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Personal Experience with Carpet Beetles

By Stewarts Pest Control • February 19, 2019

Recently I had found an infestation of variegated carpet beetles at my house. If it had not been for the fact that I work for a Pest Control Company then I would have not thought much of their larva. To determine if they are present in your house the easiest way to check is the carpet edging up against the wall for the larva. Once I had realized that I had carpet beetles, I spring cleaned the house, vacuuming every room and had the carpets steam cleaned. Then one of our operators came in and treated all areas of the house including the roof. The roof may seem like a weird place for the beetles to get into but the our experienced operator informed me that they always seem to get into the roof. He was right too because a few days later on a table where there was a small crack in the cornicing of the roof I found dead larva that had fallen threw. The encounter with this pest was not a pleasant experience; I count myself lucky that only minimal damage was caused because of the fact of early detection. I have bug specimens at home that were stored in a spare room. These specimens were literally turned to dust by the larva breeding and eating the dead bugs. A large number of beetles were found around this area. Unfortunately for many people it is more important items like flooring rugs and pillows or bedding that gets attacked. Once carpet beetles have been detected treatment is essential, ignoring the problem will not make then go away, they will just increase in number and attack more aggressively. To discuss treatments or to find out more information contact us.

Wood flooring over concrete or other floors are a disaster waiting to happen!

By Phil Stewart, Stewarts Pest Control • October 15, 2003

Wood flooring over concrete or other floors are a disaster waiting to happen! Although very attractive, comfortable and easy to clean, parquetry and other decorative wood floor finishes layed on concrete or other surfaces can be a termite trap waiting to happen. Even if there has been a termite treatment carried out on the building, there is still a large risk of having more termite damage than if there were no wood over concrete or other floors. Stewarts are getting an increasing number of people each week with the problem of termites eating their expensive decorative wood flooring. With the popularity of this type of floor covering increasing, it will be a problem for StewartS and building owners to contend with for many years. A large portion of the problem lies with the original building design. Although a building may be built properly with its concrete or wooden floor, the design of a concrete floor building does not facilitate the problems that may occur with a wooden floor. The Australian Standard for sub floor clearance in a wooden floor building is a minimum of 400 ml. This is to aid and allow access for Inspectors and their services (ie. Electricians, Pest Controllers, Plumbers, etc) although more importantly, the floor clearance aids air circulation which helps stop dampness, mould, fungus, rot and creates a less desirable place for termites. Concrete floor buildings when built to the Australian Standards should have no problems with dampness, mould, fungus and wood rot. When you put a wooden floor over the concrete floor without the required space for air circulation or inspection etc., you open the door for a build up of dampness, mould, rot, fungus and termites. Along with the above problem when termites have unrestricted access under or in between the wood layers, they can go anywhere in the building the wood floor takes them and be undetectable. The wooden floor might not be of interest to the termites as a food source, but use it to obtain a more desirable source of cellulose food. If the concrete floor is insufficient, has construction faults or cracks that the termites can enter through, finding the entry point of the termites or placing an adequate termite treatment, usually will result in destroying the wooden floor. This can be a Pest Controller’s nightmare trying to track down termite entry points and secure a termite barrier, not to mention the building owners anguish and frustration. Stewarts have found in most situations with modern concrete floor homes, termites have been able to breach the termite treatment or physical barrier to gain access to the decorative wood floor. In past experiences, it has been from an area where there is a join or break in the continuos concrete floor surface which usually occur with additions and alterations to the original floor. Decorative wood floor problems with industrial or public buildings are far worse with no requirement at all for these buildings to have termite treatment or physical barriers when built. The nature and the way these buildings are constructed also allows for easier access of termites. Stewarts have had clients with termite infestations in decorative wood flooring in many different situations like: The second floor of an office building in West Perth The sprung and suspended floor of a large indoor sporting club in Armadale The display window of a store in Hay Street, Perth The dance floor of a night club in Northbridge Many homes and normal offices on a regular basis almost daily The treatment of termite infested decorative wood flooring is costly, not easy, and not fool proof. First Stewarts have to try and establish if: The termite problem is coming from under the floor Another area; or They are just eating the floor or using it as a mode of transport to get to other areas If this cannot be established, then treatment methods must be adopted one by one to try and stop the attack in the least expensive way for the client and the least destructive way to the flooring and the building. If the mode of entry has been established then Stewarts can carry out a more direct and effective method. In severe situations, the decorative floor cannot be saved. These situation usually involve a concrete floor that is cracked or where the surface under the decorative flooring is not concrete and penetrable by termites. In such cases the floor will have to be grid drilled at 30cm intervals and injected with a Termiticide to try and form a continuous barrier under it. The ability to form a continuous barrier depends on the soil fill under the flooring. To do any of this usually the decorative floor would be destroyed by the drilling if the termites have not already done so. Termite proof or treated timber used in decorative wood flooring does not stop any of the above mentioned problems. The termites will not eat it but they will still use it as a mode of transport to get to other parts of the building and to cellulose food. The same problems can exist with dampness, rot and fungus equally as well. All the problems in treating a normal decorative wood floor apply to a termite uneatable decorative wood flooring and associated termite problems including the possible destruction of the floor.