Carpenter Bee Infestation Chewing Through Our Homes in the Garden State
Residents of the Garden State are dealing with a springtime nuisance as a carpenter bee infestation wreaks havoc on our homes. I have been noticing sizable holes in the wood on my deck. I have also been observing “biggy-sized” bees hovering over the deck. The light bulb went off when I was reading posts from community members seeking advice on Facebook regarding carpenter bees. I assumed that all bees are bees and are pretty similar. I learned that is not always the case especially when it comes to carpenter bees.
Identifying Carpenter Bee Infestations
Carpenter bees are similar to bumblebees. According to Prevention, they usually have a furry abdomen, as Emory Matts, M.S., a board-certified entomologist and technical services manager for Western Exterminator Company, explains. Yet, unlike their counterparts, carpenter bees typically sport a black abdomen and no yellow markings. Carpenter bees can grow up to an inch long. That is why I thought these carpenter bees were ‘biggy sized.’
Unlike honey or bumble bees, carpenter bees nest in wood rather than in the ground. They leave behind round, drill-like holes, which is what I noticed on my deck. These bees don’t consume wood but instead, “they evacuate the wood to create chambers for where they can rear their offspring” according to Emory Matts.
Although carpenter bees do not harm humans they can wreak havoc on wood structures and trees surrounding homes, presenting a nuisance that can be costly. Basically, anywhere there is wood such as siding soffits, decks, posts, and the painted or bare wood of barns and sheds, they will drill holes.
To identify a carpenter bee infestation, inspect wood decks and railings for small openings in the wood, sawdust near drilled holes, and a mixture of pollen and bee feces near the entrance holes. An abundance of buzzing bees, particularly protective males, could signify an infestation.
Effective Strategies for Managing Carpenter Bee Problems
Various at-home solutions exist for taking care of these carpenter bee issues, but their effectiveness varies. These strategies include removing weathered or decaying wood, plugging existing holes with a cut dowel coated in wood glue, painting exposed wood, using insecticides labeled for carpenter bees, using carpenter bee traps, or attempting to vacuum them up with a shop vac. If the infestation persists or appears severe, it’s advisable to seek professional pest control services.
