Due to their habit of boring into wood, carpenter bees were so named. Though they do not eat the wood they excavate, but simply drill circular holes to create tunnels inside wood, causing damage. Carpenter bees are not social insects, like the common bees, like honeybees and bumble bees that live in colonies. Carpenter bees nest individually inside outdoor eaves, door frames, the sides of structures and trees. We at Knock ‘Em Out Pest Control would like to further elaborate on carpenter bees.
Identifying Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are yellow or black in color, have oval and robust bodies and average between 1/4 – 1 inch long. Similarly looking like the bumble bees in physical characteristics, they do lack yellow markings on their abdomens. Other varied slightly physical features of carpenter bees are due to the several different sub species of carpenter bees. Carpenter bees have more metallic, colorful bodies from species like the California and female valley species whereas Eastern carpenter bees are the ones that emulate the bumble bees’ appearance, having sleek, black bodies and a patch of yellow hair on their thorax.
Signs of a Carpenter Bee Infestation
Smooth, round holes that carpenter bees bore into wood is among the most common signs of a carpenter bee infestation. Homeowners should regularly inspect for the presence of these holes and hovering bees in the perimeter of the home and surrounding property to identify early damage to buildings and the carpenter bee infestation. Painting and staining wood can sometimes help deter due to carpenter bees preferring bare wood. They will however, occasionally select stained or painted wood. Repair any tears in screens, and keep doors closed at all times in addition to sealing any cracks and crevices along the property’s foundation and walls with a silicone-based caulk to avoid carpenter bees and prevent them from entering the home.
Removing Carpenter Bees
If you discover carpenter bees. To help control developing bees in the wood, and appropriately labeled insecticide specifically applied to each gallery can help control the situation. Leave the holes open after the insecticidal application to allow females to come into contact with the product. After some time has passed, fill in the wholes to avoid any overwintering bees from reusing galleries the next year. It is recommended to contact a licensed pest control professional for proper carpenter bee control as carpenter bees can be exceptional challenging to remove. Using the appropriate treatment method and to discover all of the galleries can be easily done by the expertise of a professional.
Stinging Insect Control in Lansing, Michigan
If you suspect carpenter bees on your property, call in the professionals of Knock Em Out Pest Control and let our certified experts eliminate the carpenter bees from your home as quickly as possible to avoid the extensive damage they are capable of doing with there wood-boring habits. We use state-of-the-art equipment and effective products to ensure safe, but efficient removal. Contact Knock Em Out Pest Control today for quality carpenter bee control services and let or qualified technicians do the rest.
