Ants in Perth
Ants are common around Perth homes and can enter buildings while searching for food, water and suitable nesting areas. While seeing an occasional ant may not indicate a major problem, persistent trails or repeated activity can suggest a nearby nest or established colony.
Common signs of ant activity
An occasional ant isn't always a concern. However, repeated trails, activity around food and signs of nesting may indicate an established colony nearby.
Regular ant trails
Ants moving along walls, floors, benchtops or other repeated pathways.
Food and water activity
Groups of ants gathering around food, drinks, pet bowls or moisture.
Entry points
Activity around windows, doors, skirting boards and small gaps.
Cracks and paving
Ants emerging from cracks, paving, wall areas or other sheltered spaces.
Nesting material
Small amounts of soil or displaced material around possible entry points.
Repeated activity
Ants continuing to return after the visible insects have been removed.
Worth noting: A visible ant trail may only be part of the activity. The colony may be located outside, under paving, within a wall void or elsewhere around the property.
Where do ants hide and nest?
Ants can establish nests in many different locations depending on the species and surrounding conditions. Some colonies remain outdoors, while others may use sheltered spaces within a building.
Follow the activity, not just the ants. Repeated trails can help identify access points and possible nesting areas.
Beneath paving and concrete
Gaps, paving joints and sheltered spaces around outdoor hard surfaces.
Soil, gardens and foundations
Garden beds, soil and areas around the foundations of a property.
Wall cavities
Protected voids and spaces within walls or around structural gaps.
Kitchen cabinetry
Beneath or behind cabinets, appliances and enclosed fittings.
Windows and door frames
Small openings and sheltered gaps around external access points.
Plumbing and moisture areas
Locations near leaking plumbing, damp surfaces or accessible water.
Cracks and gaps around the property
Small openings that provide access, shelter or travel routes.
What attracts ants to your property?
Ants commonly enter homes while searching for reliable sources of food and moisture. These are some of the most common attractants.
Food and sugary residue
Crumbs, food spills, sugary drinks, grease, sticky surfaces and unsealed pantry products can attract foraging ants.
Pet food and rubbish
Food left in pet bowls, overflowing bins, recycling and food packaging can provide convenient food sources.
Water and moisture
Leaking taps, plumbing and damp areas around kitchens and bathrooms can attract ants searching for moisture.
How can you reduce ant activity?
Simple housekeeping and maintenance measures can reduce the food, water and access points that attract ants. They may not eliminate an established colony on their own.
Learn about professional Ant Control Perth-
Clean crumbs and spills
Remove food residue from benches, floors and other surfaces promptly.
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Store food securely
Keep pantry products and other food in sealed containers.
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Manage pet food
Avoid leaving pet food out for extended periods where practical.
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Empty rubbish regularly
Keep bins closed and remove food-contaminated rubbish.
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Clean food preparation areas
Remove grease and residue from benches, appliances and floors.
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Repair leaking plumbing
Check taps and pipes for leaks or ongoing moisture problems.
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Seal accessible entry points
Close suitable cracks and gaps around doors, windows and walls.
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Maintain outdoor areas
Keep vegetation and debris around the property maintained.
When is professional ant treatment needed?
Professional pest control may be appropriate when ant activity is persistent, widespread or repeatedly returns after basic prevention.
Simply removing the ants you can see may not address the colony responsible for the activity. Treatment can be selected according to the ant activity, nesting areas and property conditions.
- Ant trails returning repeatedly
- Activity in multiple areas
- Suspected nests around the property
- Continued activity after prevention measures
Ants in Perth: FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about ant activity, prevention and treatment.
Does seeing a few ants mean there's an infestation?
Not necessarily. Ants may enter a property while searching for food or water. Persistent trails, repeated activity or nesting signs are stronger reasons to investigate.
Why do ants keep coming back?
Foraging ants may continue returning while a food source or nearby colony remains. Cleaning away visible ants does not necessarily address the nest.
Can ants enter a clean home?
Yes. Even a well-maintained home can provide access to water, shelter or occasional food sources. Ants can enter through small openings.
When should I arrange professional ant control?
If ants repeatedly return, appear throughout the property or continue despite basic prevention measures, a professional assessment may help identify suitable treatment options.
Finding ants around your property?
We provide professional ant control for Perth homes, rentals and businesses. Tell us where you're seeing activity, and we'll help you explore a suitable treatment approach.