Table of Contents
Our Carpenter Bee Pest Control – What You Need To Know!
The “parasocial” carpenter bee is a mildly aggressive stinging insect. Carpenter bees generally do not exhibit aggression unless under threat or stress. The adult grows up to 1.5 inches long, with a glossy black abdomen, unlike the bumblebee’s hair abdomen. The female adult has a stinger that she rarely utilizes even during an attack.
Scientists and exterminators differentiate between the male and female carpenter bees by comparing their physical characteristics. As mentioned previously, the female has a stinger while the male does not. Another key physical characteristic is the very distinguishable coloration. The female is solid black while the male is a mixture of orange and black.
Why Is My Property Under A Carpenter Bee Threat?
Carpenter bee activity is at its highest during the breeding season, beginning in early spring. This behavior will continue throughout the spring and summer seasons. Unlike most stinging insects, the carpenter bee reuses the same nest breeding season after breeding season. Most insects tend to build new nests to house their young.
Decaying wooden structures like downed trees, firewood and lumber piles, tree stumps, porches, fence posts, eaves, and decks are harbors for carpenter bees. If carpenter bees are targeting your property, it is probably contributed to one or more of the aforementioned structures. While the insect does not ingest the rotting wood, it does utilize it for nesting. The bored holes are utilized to erect nests to keep predators like the woodpecker at bay.
Should I Be Concerned About My Pet’s Safety During A Carpenter Bee Infestation?
Yes, carpenter bees pose a risk for domesticated and wild animals. The carpenter bee nest is difficult to detect from short distances. In fact, you could edge near a carpenter bee nest and not even know it until the male and female begin to exhibit aggression.
At first, the carpenter bee couple will send out a warning to let you know a nest is nearby. The warning may be a slightly louder buzzing noise and a higher level of activity. If you fail to heed the warning, the buzzing will get louder. At this point, you should start walking backward, watching each step to avoid a fall or injury.
Unfortunately, an animal may not be able to read’s the carpenter bee’s behavior. Not knowing the danger it faces, the animal will continue edging closer and closer to the nest until the couple becomes extremely aggressive. At this point, the carpenter bees will begin showing aggression, flying high and swooping down toward your direction. If the animal is not very careful, the female may be forced to utilize her stinger.
What Is The Best Carpenter Bee Infestation Extermination Strategy?
Carpenter bees can become aggressive when threatened. It does not matter whether or the perpetrator is an animal or a human, all the insects see is a threat. For this reason, we do not recommend trying to remove a carpenter bee nest without the property skills, experience, or tools. We utilize intuitive technologies and insecticides to eradicate carpenter bees. Once the area is cleared or no longer under a carpenter bee threat, we will move in to remove the nest. Why is it important to remove the nest after full eradication? If the nest remains intact, any surviving carpenter bees will return the next breeding season.
Will DIY Pest Control Impact A Carpenter Bee Infestation?
Over-the-counter pesticides and insecticides may be helpful in eradicating a few carpenter fees. However, if more than a few of these insects are involved, you will put yourself in danger trying to utilize these products as a form of defense.
We do not recommend DIY carpenter bee pest management for people with bee allergies.
Are Carpenter Bee Insecticides Environmentally-Friendly?
We believe so. As long as the exterminator heeds the EPA guidelines and manufacturer’s recommendation, there will be little to no threat to the environment, humans, or animals. We also utilize evacuation measures to protect the household members from potential exposure to chemicals. Clients or family members with chronic illnesses, such as immunodeficiency diseases, cancer, COPD, and asthma are asked to remain out of the home for up to 24 hours following each treatment.
What Pest Control Tools Do I Need To Prevent A Repeat Carpenter Bee Infestation?
None, all you need to an effective pest control prevention strategy. We recommend a strategy that will target decaying wooden structures on your property, routine inspections, and regular use of insecticidal powders. It is important to note, besides the carpenter bee bored holes and nests, damaged caused by woodpeckers trying to access the larvae.
If you are familiar with this bird species, you know it is relentless when it comes to pecking. Carpenter bee larvae emit a pheromone that attracts woodpeckers. To access the larvae, the birds will continuously peck into the bored holes, resulting in even more structural damage.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.