You have probably heard about termites because they are some of the most destructive pests in Pennsylvania, but you might not realize that other pests can damage wooden objects. There are, in fact, many wood-destroying pests, including the carpenter ant and the carpenter bee. And while you might think of bees as insects with bright stripes that make honey, carpenter bees are a bit different.
Discover why carpenter bees are a problem when they invade your yard and get help with effective carpenter bee control in Pennsylvania from our experts at BHB Pest Elimination.
How To Identify Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees might be difficult to identify from other bee species, such as the honey bee and bumblebee. Still, there are some key characteristics to differentiate the species. For one thing, carpenter bees don’t have striped patterns; instead, they are mostly black but do have some yellow fur behind their heads.
Second, you can see where the bees are nesting in your yard. While species like the honey bee create large nests, carpenter bees don’t live in colonies. They are not social insects, and they build individual nests in wooden objects like trees, siding, porches, and building frames.
Does Anything Instantly Kill Carpenter Bees?
When Pennsylvania carpenter bees start flying around your yard, you might wonder how easy it would be to remove them on your own. In some ways, carpenter bees are a lesser concern to independently eliminate them than other bee species because they are solitary. You’re not as likely to be stung. The males of the species don’t sting at all, but they are more aggressive than the females, who can sting but rarely do so.
However, carpenter bees can also be quite difficult to remove using DIY stinging insect control since they build their nests inside wooden objects. So, overall, it’s much simpler and more effective to eliminate carpenter bees with help from pest control experts.
What Damages Can Carpenter Bees Cause In Pennsylvania
Overall, carpenter bees aren’t nearly as damaging as termites. They don’t eat wooden items but instead bore small holes inside of wood to create their nests. The females of the species look for soft, untreated wood to build their nest galleries. So, weathered decks, porches, siding, and other outbuildings are the places where you’re most likely to have a problem.
Carpenter bee damage can take time to accumulate, and it's not harmless. This may become a costly endeavor to repair carpenter bee damage around your property, especially if these bees have been consistently living around your yard.
What Is The Best Treatment For Carpenter Bees?
Carpenter bees can be destructive, and while the risk is minimal, there is still the chance of being stung. Some people are allergic to bee venom, so it’s best to stay safe and institute prevention methods. The simplest and most effective way to handle carpenter bees is with Pennsylvania pest control services, so give BHB Pest Elimination a call today to request a quote.