We’ll Dig You Out of the Hole
Well, “wood” you looky here—this home has a bad case of carpenter bees!
Every year when the weather gets warmer, carpenter bees get back to work in New Jersey. They’re notorious for one thing: burrowing into wood to nest and lay their eggs. While they’re typically harmless to people (the females only sting when provoked and the males can’t sting at all), they can wreak havoc on our homes and businesses.
How Are Carpenter Bees Different From Bumblebees?
To the untrained eye, a carpenter bee can be mistaken for a bumblebee. While they do look quite similar, there are a few key differences. Carpenter bees (also known as “wood bees” and “dive bombers”) have shiny black abdomens, whereas bumblebees have less shiny, more fuzzy abdomens. Carpenter bees are also slightly larger than bumblebees. Lastly, bumblebees tend to fly in a relatively straight line, while carpenter bees fly much more erratically, often darting and diving through the air. Carpenter bees and bumblebees are both different from honeybees, which are sacred pollinators.
What Are the Signs of a Carpenter Bee Infestation?
Carpenter bees are drawn to wood like a moth to flame. This can include anything from the siding on your home to the deck and everything in between. Here are the easiest ways to determine if your home has fallen susceptible to carpenter bees:
You can see round, smooth holes that are bored into the wood. The hole will be almost perfectly circular and pencil-shaped.
There are dark brown and yellow stains on the side of the house (most likely the siding). This is known as “frass,” a fancy term for bee droppings.
You notice small, random piles of sawdust on your deck, near the stairs, near outdoor furniture etc. As the bees burrow into the wood, they leave behind sawdust. If you notice these small piles of sawdust, it means you’re right near where the bees are nesting and laying their eggs.
There are large bees hovering near your house. Of course, it makes sense that one sign of a bee infestation is actually seeing the bees. If it seems like the bees are hurling toward your face and intentionally trying to scare you, this is another telltale sign of carpenter bees. While the males don’t have stingers, they will try to dart and dive to intimidate any perceived threat in order to protect the female.
Swift Action Helps Prevent Structural Damage
When left to their own devices, carpenter bees can seriously damage homes and businesses. As they burrow into the wood and build their nests, the wood can eventually warp, crack and deteriorate. It’s important to note that carpenter bees are especially attracted to untreated softwoods such as redwood, cedar, cypress and pine. For this reason, it is always recommended to paint or stain any wooden structures to help deter the bees.
If you suspect your home has an infestation, leave the problem to Bustabug. Our licensed, certified and highly trained NJ pest control experts will assess your home and determine whether it’s carpenter bees or another type of bee that have made themselves at home.
If we do in fact discover a carpenter bee infestation, we’ll do the following:
Treat all of the exposed wood on the property.
Provide ongoing bi-yearly treatment (typically in the spring and fall) to help prevent future infestations. However, if the infestation is severe, we will likely recommend more frequent treatments to keep the carpenter bees at bay.
Key Takeaways for Carpenter Bees
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t wait and hope the bees will disappear on their own. They won’t and the damage will become more severe over time. Apart from causing structural damage, the holes containing the larvae/eggs can also attract woodpeckers to your property.
Stain and paint your home, deck, outdoor furniture, etc. to help prevent infestations. Carpenter bees are most attracted to untreated wood.
Elect the help of an NJ pest control company to safely and efficiently eliminate the infestation. While carpenter bees rarely sting, they can cause serious damage to any wooden structure when left untreated.
Dealing With a Carpenter Bee Infestation? Give Us a Buzz!
We invest a whole lot into our homes and our favorite outdoor features such as our decks, furniture, etc. The last thing you want to do is let your investment go to waste because of damage caused by carpenter bees. This problem is entirely treatable and the sooner you’re able to detect the bees and call in the professionals, the better.
Don’t let carpenter bees take a summer vacation at your NJ home or business. To remove the bees and protect your property from future damage, give us a bug by calling Bustabug Pest Control at 973.919.1279 or contact us online today.
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