Carpenter bees are one of the most feared pests by homeowners, as their nesting habits can cause extensive damage to wood porches and siding. While carpenter bees are not aggressive and rarely sting humans, their large nests can create unsightly holes in your home’s exterior.
Carpenter bees get their name from their ability to drill into wood, which they do in order to create their nests. The female carpenter bee will drill a small hole into the wood, and then turn to create a tunnel that can be up to two feet long. These tunnels are where the female bee will lay her eggs, and where the larvae will develop.
What Are Carpenter Bees?
Carpenter bees are large, black and yellow bees that are often mistaken for bumblebees. They are found in many parts of the United States, and while they are not aggressive, their nesting habits can cause extensive damage to wood porches and siding.
When carpenter bees are in the pursuit of somewhere safe to nest, they often do this by drilling holes into wood, and using that as protection from predators to raise their young.
How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Bees
If you have carpenter bees nesting in your home, it’s important to take action to get rid of them. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can cause serious damage to your property.
There are a few different ways of how to get rid of carpenter bees. You can try traps, insecticides, or a combination of both.
Traps are a popular method for getting rid of carpenter bees because they’re relatively easy to use and don’t require any chemicals. There are a few different types of traps available, but the most common is the bee trap. Bee traps work by luring the bees into a container where they become trapped and eventually die.
These traps look like a great potential nest for carpenter bees but really are meant to lure them in and trap them in for you to move or dispose of them later. These are a great way of getting rid of carpenter bees and preventing them from focusing on your home.
Where Are Carpenter Bees Found?
Carpenter bees are found in many parts of the United States, but seem to be particularly prevalent in the Southeast. If you are located in the Southeast and have noticed large bees around your property, there is a good chance they are carpenter bees.
What Damage Do Carpenter Bees Cause?
While carpenter bees are not aggressive, their nesting habits can cause extensive damage to wood porches and siding. When carpenter bees are in the pursuit of somewhere safe to raise their young, they’ll work to create a nest and tunnel system that keeps them safe. If you’re looking for more information on carpenter bees, check out these carpenter bee guides.
What Do Carpenter Bees Look Like?
Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees because of their similar coloration. Both have a black thorax and yellow abdomen, but there are some key differences. Bumblebees are hairy all over, while carpenter bees have a smooth and shiny abdomen. Another way to tell them apart is by looking at their faces. Bumblebees have round faces, while carpenter bees have more triangular ones.
