How Do I Get Rid Of Carpenter Bees Around My Home?

It's no secret that bees are beneficial to the environment. These tiny bugs pollinate roughly 80% of all plants in the world. With those kinds of numbers, it is safe to say that the world would be a lot worse off if bees didn't exist. However, while bees are beneficial, many people don't want them hanging around their homes. This is especially true when it comes to destructive carpenter bees. 

At Miche Pest Control, our highly-trained pest control technicians have spent years learning the habits and behaviors of carpenter bees. When we find these creatures, we are able to predict their next move, which improves our odds of eliminating them from various properties. Here is a look at how you can make these bothersome bees leave your yard for good.

What Are Carpenter Bees?

Carpenter bees look similar to bumble bees, but they have many different behaviors. The carpenter bee has a short and round body that is usually around ¼ of an inch to 1 inch long. They have black and yellow bodies that are usually harmless; however, some species may have a patch of hair on their abdomen.

Unlike bumble bees, local carpenter bees are not social insects. They prefer to live alone rather than in a large group. They also don't create hives like other species of bees do. Instead, carpenter bees are known to live inside various wooden surfaces. 

Carpenter bees are not known to be aggressive. It is rare for a person to get stung by a carpenter bee. The male carpenter bee is unable to sting a person at all. The female carpenter bee can sting, but she can only sting once. If a female carpenter bee stings you, it is usually either by accidentally getting too close to her stinger or she was provoked in some way. 

What Damages Can Carpenter Bees Cause?

Carpenter bees get their name from the unique way they can drill holes into wooden surfaces. While they do not live in a hive with other bees, you will sometimes see multiple carpenter bees hovering around the same wooden structure. If you have a carpenter bee infestation, you could see noticeable damage to your home, wooden patio or deck, and other outdoor structures. Some of the signs of a carpenter bee infestation include:

• Seeing round, smooth holes in wooden structures

• Seeing carpenter bees swarming around your home

• Piles of sawdust around the holes

Carpenter bees are most active during the summer months. They will find a safe and warm place to hide in the winter. 

How Do I Get Rid Of Carpenter Bees?

Carpenter bees like to nest inside soft, untreated wood. Painting the wooden surfaces around your home might deter the carpenter bees, but it is not a completely effective remedy. In order to completely eliminate the carpenter bees from your home, you should seal any holes or cracks in your wooden structures. Also, make sure that there are no tears or holes in your home's doors and windows screens. Carpenter bees prefer to live outdoors but will come into your home if there is an easy-to-access entry point. 

How Do I Prevent Carpenter Bees From Coming Back?

If you want to make sure that the carpenter bees are unable to come back to your home, you should have your home professionally treated by a carpenter bee control specialist. At Miche Pest Control, we know how to get these destructive bees to leave your home and never return. Give us a call today to see how we can help!