COMMON PESTS
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are prevalent throughout the United States. Although there are different species, the most common is big and resembles a bumble bee. You may find it foraging around flowers, shrubs and under the eaves of buildings. This bee is unique from most because it will bore into wood to make its home. They are a nuisance and can cause damage to any wood part of your property. Carpenter bees are commonly mistaken for bumble bees; however, there are two differences: carpenter bees are generally larger and carpenter bees have an abdomen which is shiny, metallic and black. Bumble bees have yellow and black body hair on all body parts.
Carpenter bees are generally considered beneficial insects because they help pollinate various crop and non-crop plants. Prevention is the main approach to managing carpenter bees. Checking all exterior wood surfaces, fill depressions and cracks so they are less attractive. Paint or varnish exposed surfaces regularly to reduce weathering. By filling unoccupied holes with steel wool and caulk will prevent their reuse. Wait until after bees have emerged before filling any tunnels. Once filled, paint or varnish the repaired surfaces. Protect rough areas, such as ends of timbers, with wire screening or metal flashing. The best solution would be to cover all exposed wood with metal, but since that is not feasible, SAWYER has developed a treatment program to help control carpenter bees. Our service technician will inspect your property to access the situation. If infestation is evident, we will treat readily accessible and/or active nests using products know to be effective on carpenter bees. These treatments are low in toxicity to people and animals. After the brood is killed, we recommend you repair holes with steel wool and wood filler, then repaint or varnish the repaired surfaces. There is no guarantee that the carpenter bees won’t return, but we will be able to remedy the ones currently causing problems and/or damage.
Carpenter bees are prevalent throughout the United States. Although there are different species, the most common is big and resembles a bumble bee. You may find it foraging around flowers, shrubs and under the eaves of buildings. This bee is unique from most because it will bore into wood to make its home. They are a nuisance and can cause damage to any wood part of your property. Carpenter bees are commonly mistaken for bumble bees; however, there are two differences: carpenter bees are generally larger and carpenter bees have an abdomen which is shiny, metallic and black. Bumble bees have yellow and black body hair on all body parts.
Carpenter bees are generally considered beneficial insects because they help pollinate various crop and non-crop plants. Prevention is the main approach to managing carpenter bees. Checking all exterior wood surfaces, fill depressions and cracks so they are less attractive. Paint or varnish exposed surfaces regularly to reduce weathering. By filling unoccupied holes with steel wool and caulk will prevent their reuse. Wait until after bees have emerged before filling any tunnels. Once filled, paint or varnish the repaired surfaces. Protect rough areas, such as ends of timbers, with wire screening or metal flashing. The best solution would be to cover all exposed wood with metal, but since that is not feasible, SAWYER has developed a treatment program to help control carpenter bees. Our service technician will inspect your property to access the situation. If infestation is evident, we will treat readily accessible and/or active nests using products know to be effective on carpenter bees. These treatments are low in toxicity to people and animals. After the brood is killed, we recommend you repair holes with steel wool and wood filler, then repaint or varnish the repaired surfaces. There is no guarantee that the carpenter bees won’t return, but we will be able to remedy the ones currently causing problems and/or damage.
