The presence of carpenter bees is inevitable during the summer months, and most of us forget they are even there when spending time outdoors. These bees are large and chubby-looking and are not known to be particularly aggressive to humans unless they feel threatened. However, carpenter bees can cause a lot of damage to wooden structures, which can be bad news for homeowners.
If you find yourself dealing with a carpenter bee infestation this summer, here are some safe and sustainable ways to get rid of them.
Why Are Carpenter Bees a Problem
Carpenter bees can become serious nuisances to your property, as these pests like to excavate through wood to lay their eggs. Carpenter bees prefer raw and untreated wood, and over time, their tunnels can cause the wood on your property to become weak and even affect the structural integrity of your home, deck, and garden beds. Carpenter bees may also sting if they feel threatened, leading to pain and even an allergic reaction if you are stung.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Synthetic Pesticides
Synthetic pesticides are not typically recommended when it comes to treating a carpenter bee infestation. This is because carpenter bees, like all bees, are pollinators, and killing them with synthetic pesticides can do more harm than good.
When it comes to keeping these pests away, there are other safer options to explore that won’t adversely impact pollinator populations.
Understanding Carpenter Bee Behavior
While carpenter bees may look large and menacing, these bees are typically not aggressive by nature and only sting when they feel threatened. They are known for their nesting behavior, which they achieve by excavating wood and laying their eggs in the tunnels they create. Male carpenter bees choose locations where they are most likely to access female bees to mate.
Carpenter bees are some of our most beneficial pollinators and are exceptionally good at pollinating eggplants, tomatoes, and other vegetables and flowers. For this reason, it’s important to protect all bees, but that doesn’t mean our properties need to suffer.
5 Ways to Sustainably Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
When it comes to getting rid of carpenter bees, there are several ways to do so sustainably without using synthetic pesticides that harm bee populations:
1. Preventative Measures
There are many ways to prevent carpenter bees, including the use of natural deterrents, insecticide dust, and bee traps. These preventative measures are usually on the more affordable side and many can be made at home using a DIY approach, making them good options for homeowners on a budget.
2. Physical Barriers
Physical barriers, such as mesh screens, caulk, and wooden plugs, can also help keep carpenter bees from destroying your home’s wood. Even just treating wood with a varnish or coat will help deter bees from your property.
3. Organic Pesticides
Organic pesticides are another great solution for getting rid of the carpenter bees on your property. At The Pest Rangers, we use safe but powerful insecticides that help deter bees and other stinging insects.
The use of certain essential oils may also be effective in deterring these pests, as carpenter bees are known to dislike the scent of almond and citrus oils.
4. Providing Alternative Nesting Sites
Providing alternative nesting sites may be worth a try to get rid of carpenter bees. You can do this by drilling some holes into a block of wood and placing it near your home to encourage carpenter bees to use that wood for a bee hive rather than the wood on your home or deck.
5. Natural Predators
Birds are natural predators of carpenter bees, so inviting more birds to your property may effectively keep the bees at bay. You can do this by hanging up bird feeders on your property to make your home more appealing to birds.
When to Call an Exterminator
It is always a good idea to contact an exterminator at the very first sign of a pest infestation. While seeing the occasional carpenter bee is not typically cause for concern, a larger presence of bees may indicate that you need to schedule a visit from a pest control professional.
Don’t wait until the problem gets out of hand and your home has already been damaged; contact a trusted pest control expert as soon as you suspect an infestation.
FAQs
How can you differentiate carpenter bees from bumblebees?
Carpenter bees are often confused with bumblebees, but the two have a few key differences. Bumblebees have yellow markings on their abdomens, while carpenter bees do not. Carpenter bees also have smooth and shiny abdomens and measure at about ¾-1 inch in length.
Where do carpenter bees typically nest?
Carpenter bees prefer to build their nests in raw, untreated wood. They love softer woods, such as redwood, cedar, and pine.
Are carpenter bees harmful to humans?
Carpenter bees are not typically aggressive bees and will not sting unless provoked or threatened. However, their stings may cause an allergic reaction in some people, which could potentially be dangerous.