How to Keep Carpenter Bees Under Control in Ohio

As spring progresses, insects of all sorts begin to emerge and mate. While most prefer to reside outdoors, some decide that our homes are preferable. One of the insects you may encounter this spring is the carpenter bee. Unlike their honeybee cousins, carpenter bees are of little benefit to humans. In fact, they can be destructive and are considered household pests. If you have carpenter bees in or around your home, you’ll want to take action to eliminate them to avoid damage to your home and structures.

Carpenter Bee Identification

Carpenter bees are very large, often between three-quarters to an inch long and their bodies are very sturdy. In fact, they resemble bumble bees. When you look at the upper surface of their abdomen, you’ll notice it is largely bare and appears black and shiny. The bee’s thorax is covered with yellow, orange, or white hairs as are the legs. The head of a carpenter bee is almost as wide as the thorax. Females sport an entirely black head, while the male has yellow or white markings.

Where Do Carpenter Bees Live?

In nature, these crafty bees find logs and trees to build their nests in. However, they will happily build a nest near humans if the conditions are right. You won’t find a large swarm of these bees. Carpenter bees are solitary, unlike their honeybee relatives. Females often build their nests close to one another, however, they act independently, raising their young alone.

Do Carpenter Bees Eat Wood?

Despite their name, carpenter bees are not wood eaters like termites. Their name comes from the fact that females excavate galleries in wood where they can lay their eggs and raise their young. Unfortunately, this activity can lead to serious structural damage as they weaken the integrity of the wood. Therefore, it’s important to manage the population to avoid hefty repair bills.

How Can I Tell if I Have Carpenter Bees?

There are a few telltale signs that will let you know that carpenter bees are present and need to be addressed. The first sign, is of course, spotting these large bees flying around your home. A few other signs include:

• Fecal staining and pollen outside nest holes. If you notice a brownish, yellow stain below a hole in your home, it’s likely that carpenter bees have taken up residence.
• Carpenter bees tend to be territorial and will vigorously defend their nests. They may swoop and dive towards humans in order to protect their young. While generally docile, female carpenter bees may sting if their handled and are capable of multiple stings so care must be taken.
• Course sawdust may also be found below and around a carpenter bee nest entrance hole.
• Another sure sign of carpenter bees in your structure is the presence of woodpeckers and other insect eating bugs around your home.

How to Prevent Carpenter Bees From Infesting Your Home

Carpenter bees prefer wood that’s unpainted wood such as fencing, utility and telephone poles, stacked firewood, arbors and gazebos, patio furniture, and other outdoor structures. In homes, carpenter bees often build a nest in fascia boards,eaves, gables, porch ceilings, decks, railings, siding, shingles, shutters, and other areas where weathered, untreated wood exists. One of the best ways to keep them from taking up residence is to apply a fresh coat of paint to the surface, however, once established, this may not be effective.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

One of the most effective ways to eliminate carpenter bees is to simply close up any entry holes you can find. Keep in mind that they can build nests up in the highest areas of your home, which can be difficult and dangerous to reach. The risks you may take to manage these pests simply may not be worth it. Instead, it’s wise to hire a pest control professional like Lucrest Pest Control to get them under control.

Benefits of Professional Pest Control for Carpenter Bees

Perhaps the main benefit of hiring a pest control company is your own safety. As mentioned above, just getting to the site of a carpenter bee nest can be treacherous. It’s hardly worth the risk. We have the experience, tools, and equipment necessary to safely and effectively eliminate carpenter bees from your home without risk to you or your family.

Request Carpenter Bee Pest Control in Perrysville, Ohio

If you suspect carpenter bees have moved in near your home, contact us right away and we’ll come out to check out the problem. If it is carpenter bees, we’ll take steps to close off their nest entrances and make your home uninviting to them. Call  419-938-8533 to request service today. (419) 938-8533