3 THINGS ABOUT CARPENTER BEES THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU

Bees of all kinds are feared and thought to be pests, but the most feared of all is the large and noisy carpenter bee. They are often confused with the bumblebee, but the two have very distinct characteristics and jobs in the bee kingdom. If you notice some around your house, it’s time to set up the carpenter bees traps.

HOW DOES CARPENTER BEES DESTROY YOUR HOME?

Carpenter bees have got their name from the habit of boring holes into the wood. They don’t eat the wood but drill holes in it and create a tunnel inside. Further, it causes structural damage to the property or furniture as they drill holes roughly ½ inch in diameter in the wood. The damage isn’t limited to one tunnel or two.

This continues until one takes preventive steps to destroy their nests. Once these carpenter bees start creating tunnels into the wooden properties, it causes them to lose their integrity over time. In most cases, these wooden holes are found underneath the building structure. Therefore, people should be careful about carpenter bee infestation.

The carpenter bee gets its name based on its rapacious appetite for wood. They love to drill holes and can be just as effective as a drill when it comes to their precision. In case you are fascinated by these large buzzing predators, here are some facts that you did not know about them.

MALE CARPENTER BEES DON’T STING-ONLY THE FEMALE

First, the male bee does not sting; only the female has the ability to bite those around her. While you cannot really tell the difference while they are in flight, caution should be used around them anyway. The very nature of the carpenter bee is to hover. If you ever felt like they were targeting you, you may not be wrong. A carpenter bee loves to find their mate by hovering. Now, if you happen to be in the way while he is on patrol, then you better look out! However, in most cases the bee is not interested in you at all; they are trying to find their soul mate.

THEIR FECAL MATTER IS STAINING TO HOMES

The feces of these bees are notorious for staining. Due to their larger than life size, they also have quite a few bowel movements in a day’s time. They seem to be no respecter of where and when they use the bathroom either. Have you ever noticed a yellow-brown matter on the sides of your home? Well, since they love to hang around your eaves and such, you will likely see it on your siding, fascia, and other parts of the home. It discolors whatever it lands on and is next to impossible to remove. Other than being a good indicator that you have a carpenter bee problem, this poo is an annoyance. It will not even come off with the power washer.

FEMALES DO ALL THE WORK

Now about their drilling abilities; if you notice dime sized holes in the porches and other areas surrounding the home, then you probably have carpenter bees. They can be just as damaging as termites because they love wood. In their world, the female bee is the one that does all the work. She drills beautiful holes for her to lay her eggs in for her babies. She will drill several holes, making sure not to distribute all the eggs into one area. Her precision is fierce and that same “bit” she uses to drill she will attack you with should you come near her or her eggs. The female uses the same holes year after year, as it is so much work for her. If there is sawdust on your deck or porch area, it’s probably due to these bees.

DEALING WITH A CARPENTER BEE PROBLEM

If you have a carpenter bee problem, the best thing to do is replace the boards they have used previously. Since they prefer wood that has not been painted or treated, switching out boards with pressure treated lumber helps. The risks these bees cause is minimal, but their noisy presence scares even the best person. If you do not want to go through all the hassle of replacing wood, you can simply fill the holes they have created to keep them from coming back again. It is not guaranteed that they will not drill new holes, but it gives them an incentive to build elsewhere.

KNOWING WHEN TO GET PROFESSIONAL HELP

Carpenter bees are a problem in the spring of each year. If the crisis is too bad, it may be time to call in professionals for assistance. Due to the nature of these bees, their potential for damage, and their intense stinging ability; it is not a job for the faint of heart. Professionals have suits and equipment that can quickly eradicate the problem without injury. The common person does not have such equipment and it can be dangerous to tackle such a task. One or two bees hovering around is not an issue, but if you see them constantly with sawdust reside; call for help!