The honey bee is one stinging insect that people generally don't mind finding around their yard. These bumbling bees create honey that most people love to eat, and they are known to be good for the environment. But, other bee species in Virginia live around properties. While these bees aren't all bad, some pose more specific risks, and one of the most challenging species is the carpenter bee.
Carpenter bees can damage property as they tunnel into wooden objects. However, they are different from other wood-destroying insects like termites that consume wood. Carpenter bees do not eat these structures but use them to build cells to lay their eggs. Find out more about preventing and removing these destructive pests from Virginia pest control experts at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control.
Carpenter Bees Vs. Bumble Bees
Another common bee species in Virginia is the bumble bee. Many people have questions about the difference between these two species. There are some key characteristics you can look at to tell these two apart:
- Appearance: Bumble bees are covered with fur and have yellow markings, while carpenter bees are primarily black and only have fur behind their heads.
- Flight Patterns: Bumble bees fly in straight lines, while carpenter bees have more erratic, darting patterns.
- Hives: Bumble bees are social species that have large colonies. On the other hand, carpenter bees are a solitary species, and females build the nests.
Both these bees can sting, but the carpenter bee is not aggressive. They are less likely to sting than most other stinging insects.
Carpenter Bees Bee-ing Important Pollinators
While honey bees and bumble bees are known for pollinating plants, you might not be as sure about the carpenter bee. But, this species is also vital to the environment. Carpenter bees pollinate many flowering plants in gardens and nature. They are responsible for pollinating many crops, too. So, while bees are a pest when they live around your property and tunnel into your structures, they aren't all bad.
Do Carpenter Bees Do More Good Than Harm?
Generally, carpenter bees are a net positive for the environment. When they live out in nature away from human developments, they will create their nests in various trees. But, just because they are suitable for the ecosystem, it doesn't mean you want to deal with them around your property.
When you have bees around your house, they may not seem like such a great thing. Carpenter bees generally bore into untreated or damaged wooden objects, and they can cost you money in repairs, especially to items like siding, decks, and outbuildings. It's a good idea to eliminate any water-damaged or decaying wood around your yard to help deter them.
But, if you already have a carpenter bee infestation, bee control services are the easiest way to remove them and keep them from returning.
Gentle Carpenter Bee Removal For Virginia Residents
Many people who have bees around their property worry about harming the bees. Because carpenter bees are good for the environment, Albemarle Termite & Pest Control team provides gentle bee removal services. We will remove these stinging insects from your yard to prevent any damage they may cause and you'll also feel good knowing that you're not hurting the ecosystem by killing the bees
Call our team at Albermarle Termite & Pest Control today to learn more about protecting your property from carpenter bees through our home pest control and commercial pest control plans.