When most people think of bees, images of fuzzy bumble bees or honey bees come to mind. And while all bee species benefit our environment in many ways, their cousin, the carpenter bee, can be a destructive force for homeowners. They are 1/2 to 1 inch long with a robust, ovular shape. While bumble bees have a fuzzy, yellow and black appearance, carpenter bees are more rusted brown with a bare, shiny abdomen. Carpenter bees' lack of fuzz and muted color distinguish them from bumble bees, which will help Virginia homeowners with pest control in Chesapeake.
How To Tell If You Have a Carpenter Bee Problem On Your Property
Carpenter bees are sneaky. Because they are not social in nature, carpenter bees create individual nests that are harder to spot. They also tend to invade spaces that are typically out of sight, like building frames and siding, making an infestation even more difficult to determine. That said, Virginia homeowners should look for the following clues to know if they could have a carpenter bee infestation:
- Female carpenter bees will chew tiny holes into wooded areas to lay their eggs. Their ideal home is soft, unpainted wood, which would typically be found in decks and fences.
- Carpenter bees will also leave sawdust piles and excrement stains on the wood below their circular holes.
- Carpenter bees will not discriminate against any live wood that is in or around your home so issues can develop in reed-like plants and trees as well as decks, siding, and door frames.
- Homeowners should note that carpenter bees don’t pose much health risk to humans unless someone is allergic.
Preventing A Carpenter Bee Infestation At Your Home
While carpenter bees aren't dangerous to the health and well-being of most humans, they can be destructive. If their damage goes untreated, the damage will only pile on, attracting other pests such as woodpeckers, and furthering structural impact. To prevent a carpenter bee infestation at your Virginia home, try some of the following tips:
- Since carpenter bees come seeking shelter in weathered, untreated wood, homeowners can make these areas inhospitable to them through painting, staining, and sealing wood. Seek to start with wood shingles, Adirondack chairs, benches, and shutters.
- Purchase or build a carpenter bee house! They come equipped with predrilled holes for the bees to further nest in. This should live a safe distance away from a dwelling.
- Try insecticide designed for carpenter bees.
- Removing their source of water denies the bees’ ability to replenish themselves.
- Metal flashing can be a helpful way to decrease water penetration at places such as walls, door openings, and other vulnerable places that carpenter bees tend to seek.
- Aim to repair any damaged wood.
If a carpenter bee infestation seems plausible, homeowners should be wary of DIY methods. Applying chemicals without professional assistance can be toxic and may not effectively control a population. Instead, reach out to the professionals. Our team of experts at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control has the experience and tools needed to get the job done write. We will inspect your property for carpenter bees, locate the nest, and remove the problem. We will also implement measures to keep them away in the future. Contact the professional team at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today for a plan to keep pests out.