Bees make honey and pollinate flowers. They are good for the environment and play an important part in ecology and crop production. You might like bees. Many people do. But, there is one bee that is dreaded for its painful sting and the damage it can cause. If you have encountered it before, we don’t have to tell you. Carpenter bees are insidious pests that cause real damage.
The bottom line is carpenter bees damage your home. They tunnel into the wood and lay eggs. They are most likely to tunnel into softwoods and bare woods that are not painted. Favorites include cedar, pine, cypress, and redwood. You might find these destructive bees along window trims, eaves, siding, and patios or decks made of wood.
Carpenter bees damage can be extensive. Since they can tunnel into the very structure or siding of your house, they create problems with the integrity of the wood. Their feces also leave unsightly stains on wood. And, the bees attract woodpeckers that cannot resist the sweet sound of nesting bees and larvae.
When you consider the structural damage they can do, the answer to that question can be a resounding yes. Females are known to excavate new tunnels to lay their eggs in or might use an existing tunnel but enlarge it first. The female might use the same nest for many years so the damage to the wood becomes considerable after a long period of time.
Rather than waiting until there is a carpenter bee problem, homeowners should consider prevention. Since these insects prefer bare wood, simply painting it will curtail their behavior. If you have an area of a building that obviously has been under siege by carpenter bees, you can paint it to deter them from revisiting the site in the future.
Existing tunnels can be treated with insecticidal dust containing 5 percent carbaryl. Spray the chemical directly into the opening of the nest. Sprays that are used against wasps are also sometimes effective. Once you spray the tunnel, leave it exposed for a day or two so the bees come into contact with it and carry the spray with them and distribute it in all their nests. Then, you can seal up the tunnel. The process can be tedious and you must be very careful when spraying the insecticides. If you want assurance that your carpenter bees will be eliminated for good, it is highly recommended to hire a professional pest control company.
Bugs Out Pest Control is that professional company, located in Pawleys Island, South Carolina and providing complete pest control services. Contact Bugs Out Pest Control and one of our representatives will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding eliminating carpenter bees as well as any other pest control issues.
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