Carpenter Bees
Pest LibraryDetailed Guide on Carpenter Bees Control
Carpenter bees are not aggressive and rarely sting; however, they do make holes in wood to create their nests. This can cause significant structural damage to homes and businesses and lead to weakened or unstable wood structures. At Bug Geeks Pest Control, we understand how important bees are to our ecosystem. We offer pest inspections and identification of bee species, professional carpenter bee control, exclusion tactics, and assistance in preventing future bee infestations. Call us now to get a free estimate for pest control for carpenter bees in Pasadena, MD, and the surrounding areas.
What Are Carpenter Bees?
Eastern Carpenter Bees are native to the East Coast and are easily found in Maryland in the spring and summer. They are large, shiny, black and yellow bees that grow from 0.75 to one inch long. They are solitary bees and are non-aggressive. They are important pollinators and are not really considered pests because they are beneficial for the conservation and preservation of many plants and crops throughout the state. Bee control is only really necessary if the bees are causing damage to wooden structures of homes or businesses.
Carpenter bees are very unlikely to sting, and they do not eat wood, but the female bees drill into untreated, raw, or weathered wood to create nests. One bee is unlikely to cause significant structural damage, but a bee infestation can.
Are Carpenter Bees Dangerous?
Carpenter bees are gentle and shy and are not generally dangerous. Females may sting if they feel threatened, but they are likely to leave you alone if you leave them alone. Males do not have a stinger, so they are totally harmless.
How to Identify a Carpenter Bees Nest
Carpenter bees make perfectly round, smooth holes in wood. The holes are usually about ½ inch in diameter. You may notice piles of sawdust on the ground or floor before you see the hole. You may also see yellow stains or discoloration around the entry holes and hear a buzzing sound from within the wood.
Signs of a Carpenter Bee Infestation
The biggest sign of a carpenter bee infestation is the presence of the bees in your garden or around your plants. As they are prolific pollinators, they will build their nests in areas that have access to flower nectar and pollen. Some other signs of a carpenter bee infestation are:
- Increased bee activity around your home
- Round holes in wood structures
- Sawdust or frass underneath the wood
- Stains or discoloration in the wood
- Buzzing sounds from the wood
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
Because these bees are crucial pollinators, they are important to our ecosystem, and you should not try to kill them unless they are causing damage. Our process for carpenter bee treatment is as follows:
- Identification and Assessment – First, we will do a thorough pest inspection to determine the location of the nests, identify the bee species, and evaluate the extent of the infestation. We will also take note of damage to wooden structures.
- Nest and Bee Removal – Once we have assessed the size and habits of the bee colony and identified the areas where they are most active, we can use traps to help gain control.
- Exclusion and Prevention – We recommend removing or repairing any wooden structures damaged by nesting. Holes should be sealed with caulk, putty, or steel wool. The wood should be painted, sealed, stained, or treated with insecticide.
- Ongoing Pest Control – We offer ongoing monitoring and assessment to ensure the bees do not return. We also offer seasonal and ongoing pest inspections, maintenance, and pest control services.
How to Prevent Carpenter Bees From Nesting
Prevention is key to avoiding problems with carpenter bees. Keep an eye on your wood structures and maintain them. Well-maintained, painted, or treated wood is less appealing to carpenter bees. Some other tips for preventing carpenter bees from nesting on your property are:
- Fill in holes, cracks, and gaps in wood surfaces with caulk or putty.
- Treat wood structures like posts, door and window frames, siding, shingles, decks, picnic tables, soffits, fascia, and fence posts with paint, wood stain, or insecticide.
- Replace heavily damaged wood surfaces with surfaces like vinyl, composite, or aluminum.
- Preventative treatments in early spring can help to prevent future damages
Why Should I Hire a Professional Carpenter Bees Exterminator?
Our residential pest control and commercial pest control professionals know how to safely and carefully treat the bees at your home or business without damaging your property. Because carpenter bees are gentle and non-aggressive and are so important to maintaining the beauty of Maryland’s plants and crops, we do not recommend killing them unless they are causing damage. We use careful, thorough methods for identifying nesting sites, providing thorough treatments for the bees, and offering exclusion and prevention tips.
Schedule a Consultation for Carpenter Bees Control
If you have noticed increased bee activity at your home or business, our team at Bug Geeks Pest Control can help. Call us now or contact us online, and our professional pest control experts will assess the problem and help you find safe, effective solutions. We offer ongoing and seasonal pest control services to home and business owners and have earned a reputation for efficiency, quality, and exceptional customer service.
Contact Us
We Service
Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Carroll County, Frederick County and Baltimore County
Discuss your infestation concerns with a seasoned pest exterminator.