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The Buzz on Carpenter Bees

What to Know About Carpenter Bees

In the spring and summer, carpenter bees can be quite a nuisance, but can also cause damage to your property. Have you ever seen a carpenter bee on your deck or shed? Carpenter bees, like carpenter antstermites and wood boring beetles are known for causing damage to wooden structures. If you have carpenter bees on your property, it can be a challenge to get rid of them. Unlike some of the other wood destroying insects, carpenter bees will cause damage to the wood by drilling holes instead of eating the wood.

Carpenter bees are solitary insects meaning they do not build hives or nests together and will spend the majority of their time alone. Instead of hives or nests, they will tunnel into wood and live there and store nectar. Only female carpenter bees are capable of stinging although it is very rare and males do not possess stingers. These bees make up the largest population of native bee species in the United States.

What do carpenter bees look like?

Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees but instead of having furry, yellow abdomens, they have sleek and shiny abdomens. Male carpenter bees do not sting, only the female bees possess stingers and will sting only when they feel threatened.

What are some signs of carpenter bees?

Some signs of having carpenter bees on your property include:

      • You can see the bees on your property
      • You hear the bees
      • There is sawdust
      • There are visible holes on wooden surfaces
      • Staining from bee feces

If you think there are carpenter bees or some sort of wood destroying insect on your property, you will need to have an inspection completed to confirm whether or not they are carpenter bees and the best and most effective methods for removal.

Carpenter bee damage

Carpenter bees will cause damage to your home and wooden structures. The damage the bees cause is usually not substantial unless it has happened over several years. The area where there damage has occurred can also be susceptible to rain and water damage which can also cause mold and mildew growth. 

Pest control for carpenter bees

If there are carpenter bees on your property, you will need to have them removed professionally by a pest control company. There are different treatments that can be effective for removing carpenter bees. You might have to have more than one treatment depending on the severity of the situation.

Carpenter bee prevention

In addition to pest control for carpenter bees, it is important to try to prevent them. Some preventative measures you can take include:

        • Painting or staining wooden structures like decks and sheds
        • Using alternative resources other than wood
        • Having a routine pest control

If you have carpenter bees on your property, it is important to have them controlled by professionals. Summit Pest Control offers services for the following pests:

For more information about carpenter bees and carpenter bee removal, contact us today at 703-884-2124 or through our contact form.

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