Carpenter bees
Carpenter bees are a group of bees which, as the name suggests, tunnel and nest in wood. Unlike other social bee species, carpenter bees are solitary creatures that nest in excavated wood galleries instead of forming large colonies. Named for their carpenter-like abilities, the bees bore into wood to construct tunnels with individually partitioned cells for their offspring.
Over time, the wood-boring activities of carpenter bees can cause aesthetic and structural damage.
Although they can be destructive, they rarely pose threats to the physical wellbeing of humans.
Schedule a FREE Estimate
How Do I Identify Carpenter Bees?
Carpenter bees are easy to confuse with bumblebees because they have several physical similarities. The size, shape, and coloring of these two types of bees are similar. One noticeable physical difference between the two can be found on the abdomen. Bumblebees have a fuzzy abdomen, while carpenter bees have a shiny black abdomen. You can also distinguish carpenter bees from other types of bees by their behavior. Bumblebees live in colonies with many others, but carpenter bees are solitary and only share their nest with a mate and eggs. The females spend their time excavating wood for their nests while the males play the role of protector against threats. The behavior of male carpenter bees can seem aggressive when they encounter a threat but they do not have a stinger and cannot cause harm.
HOW DO Carpenter Bees DAMAGE My Home or Business?
Carpenter bees can cause unsightly damage to your structure. Female carpenter bees bore holes into wood. The holes they create are large enough for them to enter and lay their eggs. Since these pests range in size from ¾ of an inch to 1 inch, the holes are large enough to be easily noticed. This can cause unsightly damage to your home or business. If you have unexplained holes in the wood around your house and notice fine sawdust nearby, it is a good indication that you have a carpenter bee infestation. Look for these holes in areas around your house or business with wood such as your deck, swing set, eaves, siding, patio furniture, or any wood surface.
Also, since Carpenter Bee larvae are a prime food source for woodpeckers, they can cause damage by pecking through the surface of the wood to reach the immature bees by drilling holes.
If you suspect carpenter bees are damaging your home or business, please give us a call for a FREE No-Obligation estimate.