Signs of White Ants in House: Perth Home Inspection Checklist

White ants commonly known as termites are one of the biggest threats to homes in Perth. With the city’s warm climate and timber-rich construction, termite activity is extremely common, making regular home inspections essential. If you’re worried about a possible infestation, knowing the early signs can save you thousands of dollars in structural repairs. This Perth-focused inspection checklist will help you identify white ants early and keep your home protected.

1. Mud Tubes Around Walls and Foundations

One of the most obvious signs of white ants is the presence of mud tubes. These pencil-thin tunnels often appear around the base of walls, foundations, or outdoor structures. Termites use them to stay hidden and maintain moisture while traveling. If you see these tubes around your Perth property, it’s a strong indicator that white ants are active.

2. Hollow or Damaged Timber

White ants feed silently from the inside out, leaving the outer timber looking normal while the inside becomes hollow. Tap on wooden walls, flooring, or door frames; if they sound hollow or papery, termites may be present. Perth homeowners often notice this problem in older homes or areas with high moisture.

3. Peeling Paint or Bubbling Walls

Many people confuse termite damage with water damage. Bubbling paint, warped walls, or uneven surfaces can be signs that termites are tunneling beneath the paint layer. Since Perth’s humidity can also cause wall issues, it’s important to combine this with other evidence before confirming termite activity.

4. Discarded Wings Near Windows and Lights

White ant swarmers (alates) shed their wings after finding a new place to start a colony. If you notice small, equal-sized wings near windows, doorways, or light sources, it could mean termites are trying to establish a nest inside your home.

5. Small Clicking or Tapping Sounds in Walls

Termites are surprisingly noisy. Soldier termites make clicking sounds to alert the colony of danger. If your home is quiet and you hear faint tapping inside walls, it may be a sign of white ant activity. Perth homeowners often report hearing these noises at night when the house is silent.

6. Tight Doors and Hard-to-Open Windows

Moisture from termite activity can cause wood to swell, making doors difficult to close and windows harder to slide. This is a common early warning sign many Perth residents overlook, assuming the issue is due to weather changes.

7. Frass (Termite Droppings) Near Wood Structures

Although subterranean termites (common in Perth) rarely leave droppings, drywood termites can produce small, pellet-like frass. If you find tiny wood-colored pellets around timber, you may have an active infestation.

Keeping your home termite-free requires regular inspections and professional support. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to contact a licensed expert immediately rather than trying DIY solutions, which often fail to stop white ants completely.

Ark Termite Treatment The Vines offers all pest control services in The Vines and surroundings. Feel free to contact us at (08) 6186 7468 or visit our website:
https://arktermitetreatment.com.au/