Bees are pests that most people generally have good feelings about. While bees do have the ability to sting, most species are relatively docile, and they don’t sting unless they feel they have to. Bees also play an essential role in the environment as they pollinate plants.
However, bees can still cause problems if they invade your property, and one bee species that is particularly troublesome is the carpenter bee. They can tunnel through and destroy wooden structures, making repairing the damage extremely costly. Luckily, Elizabeth City pest control services from Albemarle Termite & Pest Control can help rid your property of bee infestations.
How To Identify Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees do share many characteristics with other bee species in the area. They have round, bulbous bodies and fur on their bodies, and these two attributes set them apart from other stinging insects such as wasps with a sleeker, thinner look. However, while carpenter bees share some things in common with other bees, there are some differences.
Mainly, carpenter bees are mostly a dark brown or black color and only have a bit of yellowish fur behind their heads. Honey bees and bumblebees, on the other hand, have fur all over their bodies. Carpenter bees also have slightly slimmer wings.
The Extent Of Damage Carpenter Bees Can Create
Carpenter bees are sometimes compared to termites because both of these species damage wooden structures. But, overall, termites can do more damage. Termites eat through wooden objects, while carpenter bees only bore wood to create tunnels. They don’t live in colonies, but they instead build solitary nests.
Carpenter bees often create circular holes in siding, building frames, eaves, decks, and outbuildings. They usually are found outside, but they can still damage the exterior and occasionally the interior of buildings. This damage can increase over time, especially if the infestation is allowed to remain.
Why You Should Call The Pros At The First Sign Of Carpenter Bees
If you see signs of a carpenter bee infestation around your Elizabeth City yard, the best way to remove them is with professional pest control services. While these bees aren’t considered dangerous, it’s still unpleasant to be stung. Removing them can also be challenging since they tunnel into wooden structures. It’s much easier and more efficient to contact our bee control professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control for assistance.
Natural Prevention Tips To Keep Carpenter Bees From Returning
Along with professional pest control help from Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, you can also follow a few steps to keep carpenter bees away. By removing factors that attract carpenter bees, you can deter them naturally.
Here is what you should do:
- Keep wooden structures, including outbuildings stained or painted as carpenter bees, can more easily infest untreated wood.
- Reduce the moisture content around the property by removing standing water. You should also get rid of water-damaged wood from around the yard.
- Keep carpenter bees from getting inside the house by repairing broken screens in doors and windows.
- Be careful not to place too many flowering plants around the yard.
Learn more about bee control plans by giving our team a call today. You can also request a property inspection.