Bees are all beneficial insects, right? They benefit the environment with the way they pollinate flowers and other plants. Although this is true, some species of bees cause serious problems around Merrimac properties. One type of bee you should be concerned to see around your yard is the carpenter bee. These plump pests not only sting but can cause extensive damage to wooden structures. Here is what you need to know about carpenter bees along with some simple strategies to keep these insects off your property.
What Are Carpenter Bees?
Unlike honey bees, carpenter bees are solitary insects. This means they live alone and not within a large colony. It also means that each individual bee needs to have the ability to build a nest for itself. As its name suggests, carpenter bees work with wood. More specifically, they tunnel holes into it. These holes are rough ¼” in diameter and are found on decks, the sides of buildings, and wherever else wood is present around properties.
What Type Of Wood Do Carpenter Bees Build Their Homes Into?
Carpenter bees do not build their homes into any structure of wood. They directly target wood that lacks protection. For instance, these pests will look for areas of your deck that are sun decayed and have lost their varnish, paint, or other forms of treatment. They will look for these same conditions along the exterior of your home and outbuildings on your property.
How Much Damage Do Carpenter Bees Cause Each Year?
One hole tunneled into a structure of wood is not enough to break it. Several, however, will. As holes are tunneled into wood by carpenter bees, they weaken its overall structure. If enough is carved away, beams begin to warp and frames weaken. If left untreated, this can lead to severe problems down the road, including a great decrease in structural integrity. If you plan on fixing this damage, it also means a huge hit to your wallet, as carpenter bee damage is not cheap to fix.
The Danger Of Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees do not have the most painful stings, but they are by no means harmless pests. Like honey bees, carpenter bees will sting if they feel threatened. If you are allergic to insect venom, a single sting from one of these pests could be enough to send you into anaphylactic shock. Consult your doctor to understand your risk.
Some Strategies To Deter Carpenter Bees
If your property is not having trouble with carpenter bees at this moment, then you should take this time to prevent these pests from invading in the future. This is done in a few different ways. To start, try these simple tips and tricks.
- Fill in holes, gaps, and cracks in wood using a caulking gun.
- Treat and paint untreated or sun-damaged wood around your property.
- Use wire screening or metal flashing to protect the rough ends of deck boards.
- If you don’t mind a flower-free yard, remove them from your property.
- Invest in a bee hotel to give carpenter bees a better place to live on your property.
What To Do About Carpenter Bees On Your Property
The more carpenter bees there are on your property, the more damage they will do to your home, deck, and outbuildings. If you are having trouble with these pests and need to give them the boot, reach out to the professionals at Freedom Pest Control. We offer quick and effective control options to remove carpenter bees from area properties and would be happy to help you out.
Call us now to discuss your options for service and find a time to have your Merrimac yard treated for carpenter bees