If you’ve discovered that you have a carpenter bee infestation in your home, there are a few things you can do to prevent the problem from coming back. Learn about the common signs of an infestation and common methods of extermination.
Common signs of infestation
Infestations of Carpenter Bees can be a serious annoyance. The pests can cause significant damage to wooden structures. However, most of the damage they do is relatively minor. If you notice carpenter bees in your home, you should act quickly. They can be difficult to eliminate.
Typically, these bees attack weathered and unfinished wood. They also may attack any wood treated with waterborne wood preservatives. This means that any holes in your home must be sealed with materials that bees cannot chew.
You can easily identify a Carpenter Bee infestation by looking at the signs they leave behind. These signs include small holes in wood, sawdust under boring holes, and buzzing noises. It is also possible to see large bees circling around your home.
Carpenter Bees are about one-inch long and have a shiny, black abdomen and fuzzy thorax. They are not as aggressive as other types of bees. Although they are not harmful, they can cause damage to your walls and other wooden areas.
When you have a bee infestation, it is important to seek professional assistance. A pest control expert can help you locate areas in your home that are vulnerable to bee activity. Some of these signs include holes in your wood, soffits, and decks.
Carpenter Bees are not aggressive but they can cause significant damage to your home. Damage can be cosmetic or structural.
Preventing re-infestation
If you have an infestation of Carpenter Bees in your home, you need to take steps to prevent re-infestation. These insects are not dangerous to humans, but they can be harmful to wood structures. Depending on the size of your problem, you may need to hire an exterminator to eliminate them.
To avoid re-infestation, you will need to seal holes in your wood. Sealing holes will prevent carpenter bees from entering your home and will keep them from re-building the tunnels they use for their nests.
You can seal the holes by painting or varnishing them. Paints and varnishes that are unpalatable to carpenter bees will be most effective.
Wooden surfaces, such as windowsills, railings, fences, and decks are the most likely to be infested by these bees. In addition to sealing the holes, you will also need to treat the surface areas of past nesting sites.
Using a garlic powder or vinegar solution can help to kill carpenter bees. Sprinkle the mixture on the tunnels or spray directly onto the holes. Alternatively, place some cooking oil or a bowl of garlic in the hole.
Insecticidal dust is also used to kill Carpenter Bees. Wear a dust mask when applying this substance. The males do not sting, so they are unlikely to hurt you.
Common methods of extermination
When Carpenter Bees become an infestation, it can damage wooden structures. These bees are large and can tunnel through holes in wood. They build nests in a variety of places, including fences, patio furniture, and decks.
A good way to get rid of them is to seal their holes. This will keep them from re-entering the home.
The best time to apply an insecticide is in spring or early summer. If you are doing this yourself, it is best to use a product that is safe to use on wood, such as FenvaStarCap.
Another option is to spray citrus scents. Citrus oils contain natural repellents, so carpenter bees will not want to stay. You can create your own spray by soaking a few drops of citrus oil in water. Alternatively, you can buy a spray at your local home improvement store.
Another thing to consider is that you should not apply any chemicals near an open flame. Petroleum products are highly flammable, and can be dangerous to anyone who breathes in their fumes.
Another way to discourage the bees is to paint the wooden surfaces. However, this method does not guarantee that you won’t get another infestation.
Another effective method is to place bee traps. Several types of bee traps are available, and you can find them in home gardening and pest control stores.