Carpenter Bees

Most of the population is familiar with bumblebees, wasps, and hornets. While there is no denying that these troublesome flyers can be dangerous, it is probably the carpenter bee that poses the biggest threat. Many troublesome invaders make their way out of hibernation during the spring season, and carpenter bees are no exception. Beginning in April and May, you’ll likely start to notice these large, hairy shiny flyers buzzing around your property. You might even notice some mysterious perfectly round boreholes in some of your wooden structures. Well, this would be the carpenter ant, and one of the things that make them such a threat.

With their innate propensity for wood, it is best to tackle a carpenter bee infestation as early as possible. This is exactly what we are here to help you achieve.

A Relatively Friendly Insect

It was stated earlier that carpenter bees are your biggest threat. This remains true but not in terms of physicality. Given their immense size and somewhat aggressive nature, it is only natural to be alarmed at the sight of these flying insects. However, there is no need to be frightened because the carpenter bee isn’t at all likely to sting. As a matter of fact, the males of the species don’t even have stingers and only react aggressively as a means of intimidation.

These members are easily identifiable by their distinctive white head markings. The females, on the other hand, do possess stingers but mind their own business. They aren’t aggressive at all unless provoked. You catch on in your hands or try to swat her away and you are likely to get stung in response. Other than this, they are relatively harmless insects.

Tunneling Into Wood

The major disadvantage of the carpenter bee is that they tunnel into wooden structures. And this is something the species will do repeatedly until deterred. While they do hibernate, they are smart enough to return to the same areas, if not exterminated the previous year. This is a relatively solitary class of flying insect, as they do not serve a queen like most species of the bee. The females especially like to do their own thing and will burrow into wood to lay her eggs and store food.

Indeed, these tunnels only do have one entrance and one exit, somewhat limiting the damage they can do. However, there is always the potential for huge repair expenses if that wood begins to crack. Given enough time and enough work on the bee’s part and that wood will begin to split. This will also be a good indicator of how long the insect has been on the property. The greater the damage, the longer they’ve been there.

Discourage The Bee And Preventing Future Damage

An ideal pest management approach to the carpenter bee strikes a balance between preventing structural damage while also allowing the insect to do what it was put on earth to do, pollinate. This specific species does play an integral role in the ecosystem and must be left to do so. Therefore, some of the best options for dealing with this pragmatic pest are to close existing tunnels, set up bee traps, and treat exposed wood. These pests are more drawn to weathered and worn wood than stained or painted.

You can also set up and install sacrificial wooden structures to draw the bees in an entirely different direction. Either way, these are all things our expertly trained and managed exterminators are willing to help you achieve. All you must do is pick up the phone and call our local offices.

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