Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees due to their similarities in size and coloring. Their differences can be subtle to the untrained eye. Bumblebees have hairy, predominately yellow abdomens; carpenter bees, on the other hand, have shiny black abdomens. There are seven species of carpenter bees, and each looks slightly different. Both carpenter bees and bumblebees are pollinators. Carpenter bees are solitary insects building single nests, unlike bumblebees and other species of bees who live in established colonies. Carpenter bees are destructive and capable of causing significant damage to the structure of your home. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control will delve more into this pest below.
What Does a Carpenter Bee Infestation Look Like?
Unlike other species, carpenter bees will return to the same place each year, making them challenging to eliminate alone. Some of the most apparent signs of a carpenter bee infestation include small holes on the sides of wooden structures; scratching sounds inside walls, and piles of wood shavings under the holes. Carpenter bees become active in April when they begin to breed. As the temperatures rise, you will see increased activity and damage to your property. Carpenter bees are nuisance pests; since they do not swarm, they are not considered a threat to humans; male carpenter bees do not have stingers, and the females will only sting when provoked. Carpenter bees are destructive boring small circular holes into wood to build nests. Females will bore holes into wood siding, frames, and eaves to lay eggs. The larvae often attract woodpeckers who have the potential to cause even more damage to your home. Carpenter bees are hard to miss; you will see them flying and hovering around your house, as they prefer to stay close to their nests. The holes they create are easily identified; they are often perfectly round, and you will see piles of sawdust from the bees boring into the tunnels. These piles are often referred to as frass.
What Will Keep Carpenter Bees Away?
Carpenter bees prefer softwood to build nests, making your home’s exterior attractive. Along with the exterior, carpenter bees are also attracted to porches and wooden overhangs around your property, where they can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Tips to avoid carpenter bee infestations include ensuring the wood on the exterior of your home is painted or stained. Carpenter bees prefer raw lumber. Keep stacked piles of wood away from your property, check the foundations of your home, and seal any cracks with caulk. Repair any tears in window screens and replace those with significant damage. Repair previously bored holes during the fall to prevent the bees from returning and using the same tunnels. Purchase a carpenter bee trap to attract and keep them away from your wooden structures.
Stinging Insect Inspections, Exclusion, Control, Removal, Management & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
Carpenter bees are destructive nuisance pests that are difficult to eliminate. The professionals at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control can treat your property using commercial-grade equipment and products in the least invasive way possible to permanently deter and remove carpenter bees from your home. Take control of your Carpenter bee infestation by contacting the experts at A Five-Star Termite & Pest Control today to learn more about carpenter bees and schedule an appointment for your San Antonio, Texas home.
