Bug Busters marks 40 years with winter termite warning

Bug Busters is marking 40 years in Perth and warning Western Australian homeowners that winter can be a peak period for hidden termite spread, not a dormant season. The company says cooler, wetter months can accelerate underground colony expansion before damage becomes visible.

Why it matters: - Winter in Perth can give subterranean termites better conditions to expand underground. - Homeowners may not see damage until spring, when timber framing has already been compromised. - Bug Busters says annual inspections are the safest way to catch infestations early, especially in high-risk suburbs.

What happened: - Bug Busters is marking its 40th year of operation in 2026. - The Perth pest control company is warning residents across metropolitan Perth to treat winter as a high-vigilance season for termites. - Managing Director Jordan Bull said homeowners often assume pests go quiet in winter, but termite colonies keep spreading. - Bug Busters has served Perth since 1986, and the company’s founder remains active in the business.

The details: - Cooler, wetter winter months increase soil moisture, which helps subterranean termite colonies extend tunnelling networks. - Subterranean termites are described as the most destructive species in Western Australia. - Bug Busters says termites can reach timber framing before any surface sign appears. - The company says more than 1 in 4 Western Australian homes will face a termite infestation at some point. - Bug control demand for termites has increased in winter, especially as Perth’s outer suburbs keep expanding. - Sandy soils and high concentrations of construction timber make newer growth corridors in the north and south of Perth higher-risk environments. - Argentine ants and black garden ants also move indoors during winter in search of warmth and moisture. - Bug Busters says ant control demand rises consistently between June and August. - Ant trails near kitchens and roof voids can point to moisture conditions that also attract termites. - Bug Busters operates seven days a week across metropolitan Perth and surrounding regions. - The company offers inspections and treatment options across all major service areas. - Bug Busters says it has treated thousands of WA properties over more than three decades. - The company is 100% Western Australian owned and operated. - Bug Busters offers termite treatments, general pest control, pre-purchase inspections, and pre-construction pest management across metropolitan Perth and regional WA. - Bookings and enquiries are available by phone at 08 9493 1313 or at bugbusters.com.au.

Between the lines: - The 40-year milestone gives Bug Busters a credibility boost as it pushes a prevention-first message. - The warning also reflects a broader shift in Perth housing patterns, with outer-suburb growth creating more termite-friendly conditions. - Winter pest activity is not just about termites. Increased ant pressure may also signal the damp conditions that let termite colonies thrive.

What’s next: - Bug Busters is urging homeowners to schedule annual termite inspections, even if they see no visible signs. - Homes in high-risk suburbs, or near a property with a confirmed infestation, may need more frequent checks. - The company expects winter demand for termite and ant control to stay elevated through the cooler months.

The bottom line: - In Perth, winter is not a break from termite risk. It may be the season when the most damage is happening out of sight.