While bees can be good to have in the wild because they play a vital role in the ecosystem, they aren’t so great to have around your Merrimac, Massachusetts property. Having bees around your home or business is not only upsetting as you will fear being stung, but it can also be dangerous.
However, not all bee species are the same. While some might pose mild safety risks, others can also cause property damage. The most destructive of all bee species in this area is the carpenter bee. They are known for their ability to tunnel through wooden structures in order to build their nests. So, while they don’t actually eat wood like termites do, they can still damage many different items and structures around your house or businesses.
What Do Carpenter Bees Look Like?
The other problem many people encounter is trying to tell these bees apart from other species. While they do look similar to many other bees as they have round bodies and a fuzzy appearance, carpenter bees do have some key characteristics that set them apart.
First, they have large black abdomens and don’t have yellow or orange stripes. Second, they only have fur behind their heads while many other species are hairy all over.
Just How Much Of A Problem Are Carpenter Bees?
Carpenter bees can pose health risks just like other stinging insects. They do have stingers that inject venom, and while people with allergies to this venom are the most at risk, others can still be impacted. Most bee stings won’t result in a trip to the hospital, but it can happen. And, since most people don’t know they’re allergic until they’ve been stung, it’s a good idea to be cautious.
Additionally, carpenter bees can do a good deal of property damage over time. They can bore holes into decks, porches, sheds, siding, and other outbuildings. They tend to prefer softer types of wood including redwood, cedar, and pine, and they are more likely to nest in untreated, unpainted wood that has been weathered.
What’s The Best Way To Remove Carpenter Bees?
If you suspect you could have carpenter bees around your property, the best way to remove them is with help from the professionals at Freedom Pest Control.
Carpenter bees can cost you a lot of money in repairs, and trying to remove them on your own can be dangerous. Removal attempts are when you’re most likely to be stung, and it’s just not worth the risk.
Instead, let our expert team remove the infestation quickly and safely. Give us a call today or reach out online to book your consultation!
Are There Ways To Prevent Carpenter Bees?
While the best way to remove a current infestation is with professional pest control, there are some steps you can follow to help prevent re-infestation. Here are a few of the best carpenter bee prevention tips:
- Make sure that wooden structures are treated with paint or varnish.
- Remove standing water from around your property.
- Fix any gaps or openings in the roofline of your home or business.
- Ensure that features like hot tubs and fountains are appropriately treated.
- Protect rough areas of wood, such as the end of timbers, with wire mesh or metal flashing.
- Avoid overplanting flowering varieties of vegetation.