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Oct 04, 2024 Cliff Davis

What Areas Have the Most Carpenter Bees

What Areas Have the Most Carpenter Bees Carpenter Bees, typically found throughout the U.S., Hawaii, and Canada, are easily distinguishable insects. Male carpenter bees are orange and black, while the females are solid black and have sparkly abdomens.  Their unique physical appearance is indisputable, but many want to know in what areas these purple xylocopa or black bumblebees like to stay. If you're one of them, seeking ways to prevent them from compromising your home's structural integrity, you've come to the right place

Aug 22, 2024 Cliff Davis

What Attracts Carpenter Bees?

What Attracts Carpenter Bees? Carpenter bees or Xylocopa are big and problematic insects that beekeepers often struggle with. They are important pollinators that help reproduce wild plants and various crops, but they are known to cause infestations and severe wood damage.

Jul 11, 2024 Cliff Davis

What To Do and Not To Do With Stinging Insects

Being close to a stinging insect is not a scenario we want to be in. Still, knowing how to act when you're near bees, wasps, bumblebees, or other insects makes dealing with them much easier. While they're a key part of the cycle of life, their presence makes us uneasy, especially when finding them at your home

Jun 27, 2024 Cliff Davis

Carpenter Bees: Nasty Destroyers or Beneficial Pollinators?

Bees are vital pollinators that play a critical role in plant reproduction and sustaining healthy ecosystems. But some species, like carpenter bees, can wreak havoc on your property.  These solitary insects burrow tunnels in wood to create nests, which can cause irreparable damage to your house over time. Let's explore how to identify and eliminate carpenter bees and effective strategies for protecting your wood for long-term prevention

May 10, 2024 Cliff Davis

Carpenter Bee Infestation Removal

Carpenter bees are not your average garden variety—they have a knack for burrowing into wood and making themselves at home. Look for signs like neat round holes in wooden surfaces, piles of sawdust, and that distinctive buzzing sound near nesting sites. Early detection is key to preventing structural damage, so stay alert as you spend time in your yard and around your home. 

Apr 10, 2024 Cliff Davis

Spring Prep to Avoid Carpenter Bees

With spring in full bloom, it's time to gear up for sunny days and outdoor fun. However, the buzzing of carpenter bees may not be the welcome sound you anticipate. These wood-boring insects can wreak havoc on your home and outdoor structures. Here's how to prepare and prevent carpenter bee infestations, ensuring a peaceful and bee-friendly season. Identifying Carpenter Bees and Signs of Infestation When identifying carpenter bees, look for the telltale signs of their presence. Keep an eye out for half-inch diameter holes in untreated or softer woods, often accompanied by piles of yellow sawdust.  Carpenter bees are typically large and black or black and yellow, which can sometimes be mistaken for bumblebees. They can often be found hovering around house eaves or under decks.  Signs of infestation may also include nickel-sized holes in wood, wood shavings, yellowish-brown staining, and faint chewing sounds. While males, identifiable by white stripes on their faces, do not sting, females may sting when provoked. Carpenter Bee Solutions Preventing carpenter bee infestations is essential, as they can cause structural damage over time. Opting for non-chemical carpenter bee solutions benefits both the environment and other pollinators. Address Carpenter Bee Holes To address existing carpenter bee activity, start by surveying your home for half-inch diameter holes in wooden areas. Fill these holes and divots flush with the exterior using appropriate materials.  If you’re struggling with how to repair carpenter bee damage, consider specialized products like Bee Dams to get the job done correctly. Bee Dams are paintable/stainable and will strengthen the wood as you repair it.  Additionally, opting for hardwoods over softwoods like redwood, cedar, cypress, and pine can deter carpenter bees from nesting. After repairing holes and divots, apply carpenter bee repellent stain or paint to wooden surfaces. Treating wood after repairs helps deter carpenter bees from nesting further. Fill any pits and gaps in wood surfaces to make them less attractive to these insects. Hang Up Carpenter Bee Traps Strategically mount traps around your property, especially in areas frequented by carpenter bees. Consider using products like BeesNThings traps to effectively capture these insects.  Additionally, protect wooden outdoor furniture with citrus extract spray, as carpenter bees dislike the smell of citrus. You can also use almond oil or citrus oil repellents on susceptible areas. Encourage Migration Encourage carpenter bees to relocate by providing scrap wood blocks for nesting, ensuring they're unpainted. Playing music or hanging wind chimes near nests can disrupt their habitat, encouraging migration. You can also hang fake wasp nests to deter nesting in specific areas. Enjoy a Bee-Free Spring By implementing these bee-friendly prevention methods, you can effectively deter carpenter bees without resorting to harmful chemicals. This not only benefits your home but also contributes to the well-being of native pollinators. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a carpenter bee-free spring and a thriving ecosystem. 

Mar 19, 2024 Cliff Davis

The Effective Design Behind Carpenter Bee Traps

Carpenter bees are a common nuisance in yards, drawn by untreated wood and warm environments. Effective traps play a crucial role in managing these populations. Mimicking natural nesting sites, these traps feature wooden housing with strategically designed entrances and non-toxic attractants.

Feb 07, 2024 Cliff Davis

Does Sugar Water Attract Carpenter Bees?

Bait is a crucial element in carpenter bee traps, attracting these pesky insects inside. But the easiest and most effective option is likely something you already have in your kitchen! Sugar water can be an extremely effective bait for carpenter bees. 

Jan 16, 2024 Cliff Davis

Identifying Wood-Destroying Insects

Wood-destroying insects can pose a significant threat to structural integrity and property. Infestations can cause damage and compromise the safety of a building. Homeowners and building professionals must be able to identify wood-destroying insects and take appropriate measures to prevent and control them.

Dec 07, 2023 Cliff Davis

Carpenter Bee VS Termite Damage

If you're trying to identify the cause of damage in your home caused by an insect, it's crucial to know the difference between carpenter bees and termites. While they may both cause significant damage, they look very different. Carpenter bees are visually distinct from termites, so it's usually not difficult to tell them apart.