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Carpenter bees.

Spring’s arrival in the Triad region of North Carolina is heralded by the familiar buzzing of carpenter bees around your home. These essential pollinators provide a valuable service to the area’s flowering plants, but their penchant for boring holes in wood can cause property damage. Does your home need carpenter bee control? Learn more about these wood-boring bees.

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Understanding carpenter bees.

Carpenter bees are large, measuring up to 1 inch long, with a furry midsection and a distinctly smooth ‘shiny’ abdomen. Female carpenter bees make nests to lay eggs by chewing holes in wood. They create tunnels following the grain of the wood, with small chambers for every egg. It’s not uncommon for female carpenter bees to reuse existing nests or return to the nest where they hatched to lay eggs.


While the female is drilling her nest and laying eggs, male carpenter bees stand guard. Males have a bright mark on their face, and hover outside as the female creates the nest. They swoop at intruders and buzz loudly to create a distraction. Despite their bold behavior, male carpenter bees are harmless. They don’t even have a stinger. Unlike yellow jackets, female carpenter bees are also docile. They typically only sting when touched or trapped.


Carpenter bees prefer to build nests in unpainted, softer wood that’s exposed to the elements. Anything made from pine, which is commonly used in home construction, is frequently targeted.

Signs of carpenter bees.

To tell if you have carpenter bees taking up residence on your property, stay on the lookout for signs:

  • Round holes in wood structures: They’re easy to spot on decking, play equipment and outdoor furniture. Pay close attention to your home’s shingles, siding, eaves and trim. These are popular spots for carpenter bees to build nests.
  • Sawdust: Check the ground for small piles of sawdust. Carpenter bees leave piles of it beneath holes as they drill.
  • Yellow stains: If you discover a hole, look for yellowish stains near the entrance. A stain around the hole suggests the nest is likely in use. 
  • Listen: Do you hear a steady buzz near your exterior doors, eaves or deck? That’s a telltale sign carpenter bees have made your home their next building site.

Damage risks to homes.

Bees are an important part of our delicate ecosystem. Research from the University of Minnesota reveals bees are responsible for pollinating 80% of our flowering plants and more than one-third of the world’s crops. Many crops, including apples, blueberries, and almonds, rely heavily on bees.

While carpenter bees play a vital part in pollination, they can also be a nuisance. Their tunnels can weaken wood and cause long-term structural issues to your home. 

Carpenter bee larvae are also a favorite of woodpeckers. They peck at wood to reach larvae, causing further damage to your home’s exterior.

3 DIY tips to stop carpenter bees from drilling holes.

Fortunately, there are several easy DIY steps you can take to limit the impact of carpenter bees and encourage them to find a new place to nest. 

  1. Paint or stain exposed wood surfaces. Carpenter bees are less likely to nest in treated wood. Installing metal or vinyl coverings on vulnerable areas provides fewer opportunities for the bees to build a nest. 
  2. If you discover a hole, seal it to stop bees from returning next season.
  3. Where possible, replace soft wood with hardwood or composite materials to deter carpenter bees. 

Best way to prevent carpenter bee damage.

DIY isn’t always enough. Partnering with a pest control service will prevent carpenter bees from turning your home into their playground and encourage them to build their nests somewhere else.

Trust Terminix of the Triad.


Terminix of the Triad is locally owned and operated and has been protecting homes and families in North Carolina since 1932. Our licensed professionals understand regional pests and take pride in delivering customer service that stands out from the competition. We deliver guaranteed results, backed by our pest-free satisfaction promise. 

Protect your home today.

Wood damage from carpenter bees can happen fast. Trust Terminix to identify and eliminate the problem. Find a pest control package that’s right for you or speak with an expert at 877-372-9696 to request your free quote for comprehensive bee control.


 

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