Carpenter bees might look similar to bumblebees, but their behavior and impact on your home are quite different. While they are generally harmless to humans, their wood-boring activities can lead to significant structural damage over time if left unattended.
So, what do carpenter bees do exactly? Carpenter bee females seek out wood structures (think doors, windowsills, railings, telephone poles, wooden lawn furniture, etc.) in which they can excavate tunnels to create nesting areas for their young. Contrary to popular belief, they are not eating the wood – they are actually important plant pollinators, feeding on pollen and nectar. They are a solitary insect; they do not form colonies and behave independently from other bees. It can take a while for the female carpenter bee to form her tunnels, so it is common for carpenter bees to reuse old tunnels and continue lengthening them, weakening the structure over time.
Managing Carpenter Bees
To find nest sites, look for yellowish-brownish fecal staining and/or sawdust, which will be found underneath entrance holes. If you do find holes, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation:
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Inspect & Repair: Regularly check for signs of tunneling in wooden areas and immediately work to repair any damage. After remedying the situation, follow up with a wood putty or caulk over the hole.
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Painting & Seal Wood: This deters carpenter bees as they prefer untreated wood.
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Insecticides: Sprays and dusting techniques can be used to deter before damage and help stop damage after it’s started. Be sure to always be safe when using insecticides as they are dangerous for humans as well.
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Professional Pest Control: If your carpenter bee infestation has gone beyond your control, don’t wait to call in professional help.
Carpenter bees might not cause immediate problems, but they require immediate attention. At EcoPro, we will help you eliminate the nest but also will follow up with long-term prevention strategies. Unsure if your infestation is worth professional assistance – call us today and we can help!
