If you’ve noticed any small, perfectly circular holes on your house, deck or other wooden structures, you may have a carpenter bee infestation. These critters, also known as wood bees, are one of the more destructive pests that can take up residence on your property. Like termites, they make their habitat in wooden structures, chewing away slowly but steadily and resulting in major damage if left untreated.
What is a carpenter bee?
A carpenter bee is a large bee that looks very similar to a bumblebee, but with less fuzz. Unlike other bees who create hives or nests to live in, these bees rely on wooden structures to survive. Once a site has been located, the female bee will dig a small tunnel that connects to a larger gallery where she’ll lay her eggs. Male bees can often be seen buzzing around the tunnel entrance, and while they are very territorial, they have no stinger. The female does have a stinger, however, and will sting if she feels threatened.
What are some signs that I have carpenter bees at my house?
The most telltale signs of a carpenter bee infestation are small, circular holes in decks, awnings, eaves and other areas of your home, as well as the bees themselves flying around these entrances. You can also look for sawdust on the ground around the hole.
It’s just a little hole, so it can’t be that big of a problem
At first glance, carpenter bee holes may not seem like a big deal. The entrances themselves are fairly small, but it’s what’s inside that can cause the real damage. The entrances lead to tunnels, which are usually only about 25 mm long. From there, however, the tunnels turn and open into galleries, which can run several centimeters in distance, with some reaching as far as 15 cm. These galleries destroy the integrity of the wood, weakening your structure over time and potentially causing huge damage – both to your property and to your pocketbook.
What can I do?
The best way to handle a carpenter bee problem is to call a Brevard County pest control service. A pest control professional can confirm that what you’re dealing with is carpenter bees, and can then take the necessary steps to remedy the situation. Not only will a pro be able to eliminate the adult bees in the area, they can also treat the inner recesses of the bees’ galleries to target eggs and larvae, preventing future infestations. Once the areas have been treated, it’s important to seal the holes to help discourage other bees and pests from taking up residence.
Carpenter bees are nothing to take lightly. If you’ve noticed signs of a possible carpenter bee infestation, don’t wait to take action. Call a pest control service immediately to remedy the situation before major damage occurs.