While the carpenter bee can be a very efficient and beneficial pollinator, there is also the potential for this insect to cause a great deal of damage to wood structures. Found all across Levittown and the United States, the carpenter bee has a very strong jaw that is used to chew wood and develop it into a pulp that becomes nesting material. Eggs will be laid in between sectioned compartments for up to three months, which is how long it takes for a carpenter bee egg to hatch and the juvenile bees to grow into mature adults that are ready to survive independently.
Spring is the most active time of year for the carpenter bee, which is when the most damage can be spotted. While this species of bee is generally not overly aggressive, it is still common for a female to defend the nest. The male carpenter bee does not have a stinger. Many people will choose to have a carpenter bee problem addressed because of the risks associated with having this insect species on site. Problems can occur with fences, sheds, homes, outdoor furniture and so on. There is also the risk of being stung, which is something most homeowners wish to avoid, especially if children are nearby.
WHAT DO CARPENTER BEES LOOK LIKE?
Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees because of the similarities in appearance. Carpenter bees have a few distinct features, such as a more smooth and shiny abdomen. Bumblebees are known for having a fur-like body. Carpenter bees have a black-to-blue-colored abdomen. There are yellow, white and orange strands of hair on the thorax. There is also hair on the legs of the carpenter bee, but it tends to be dark in color.
There are a few differences between the appearance of a female carpenter bee and a male carpenter bee. The head of a female is completely black. The head of the male has white markings on it.
In regard to size, female carpenter bees are approximately 5/8 to 1 inch long on average. The male is pretty similar in size but can be slightly smaller. The difference is typically hard to spot when a carpenter bee is spotted flying by or perched on a structure nearby.
WHERE DO CARPENTER BEES LIVE?
The carpenter bee does not live in a colony of bees. Rather, small, individual holes will be dug into the wood. These holes are about ½ inch in size. Sawdust is usually an indication that a carpenter bee was the one to make the hole. The hole itself may also include a tunnel where eggs are housed. Each cell is created using wood pulp and filled with pollen as food.
During the winter months, the carpenter bee will live by itself in a nest made in a wood structure. Common locations include weathered, untreated and unpainted wood. Rafters, eaves, sheds, decks and fences are popular spots. Strong, hard woods are typically avoided. Emerging in the spring, carpenter bees will mate with one another and begin their reproduction cycle again.
WHAT DO CARPENTER BEES EAT?
While carpenter bees can chew up wood to create a pulp-like substance for a nest, wood is not part of a typical bee diet. Rather, flower nectar and pollen are two main sources of nutrition. Carpenter bees are a key part of the pollinating process for things such as flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs. This is not a species of bee that produces honey.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY CARPENTER BEES
The process of carpenter bees boring into the surface of wood is really what makes this species of bee so destructive. While the behavior of the carpenter bee tends to be pretty docile unless provoked, most people are looking to get rid of them because of the damage that ends up being caused to any Levittown home or business, including fences, structure exteriors, sheds, furniture, etc. In addition to carpenter bees making quite a mess, this destruction can cause weak spots in the wood that requires replacement or repair.
Home and property owners often spot a hole in the wood of some sort, which is the first indication that a carpenter bee issue may be occurring. What many people do not realize is that carpenter bees go on to dig and burrow holes further into the wood. There may be a lot more destruction than meets the eye. Rather than just eradicating the carpenter bee and filling the hole at surface level, there may be a need for more intricate attention.
ARE CARPENTER BEES AGGRESSIVE?
Female carpenter bees are far more aggressive than males. This is because the female has a stinger and the male does not. A female will generally display non-aggressive behavior unless her nest or eggs are threatened. It is then that she will sting an intruder. Before being stung, a female may buzz around or fly at an intruder as a warning.
Males can act aggressively even though there is no defense mechanism that can be used during this display. Their behavior may include buzzing and flying towards an intruder.
DO CARPENTER BEES CARRY DISEASE?
While carpenter bees are destructive and act as pests, this is an insect that does not carry any kind of disease. However, a sting from a carpenter bee can cause an allergic reaction because of the venom that is released during the sting. Symptoms of a carpenter bee allergic reaction include hives, rash, swelling, trouble breathing and itchy skin.
HOW TO DETECT CARPENTER BEES
Signs of a carpenter bee infestation include:
• Collections of sawdust • The presence of large bumblebee-like insects that have a smoother body • Holes in a wood structure • Excrement stains on wood or below holes
HOW TO PREVENT CARPENTER BEES
To help prevent carpenter bee issues, the following steps should be taken:
• Use treated or painted wood whenever possible • Fill any holes or gaps that can be found in wood which would attract carpenter bees • Use sprays and products that deter carpenter bees • Some people choose to provide safer homes for carpenter bees away from heavily-trafficked areas
HOW TO TREAT FOR CARPENTER BEES
Proper carpenter bee control involves a series of steps, including the application of insecticides, dusts, and the sealing of existing holes. The selected insecticide is used as the initial form of treatment, followed by the injection of a specific dust formulation which provides residual protection. Finally, entrance holes are plugged after the carpenter bee colony has been given sufficient time to distribute the treatment products throughout the nest area.
Newtown Termite & Pest Control utilizes a multi-faceted approach to eradicating the unwanted bees. When combined, the processes work together to ensure that your Levittown home or office remains a pest-free environment.
