When homeowners think of pests that tend to show up in the spring, they usually picture examples like ants and mosquitoes. Carpenter bees are well worth adding to that list, as they often show up much earlier than people expect, sometimes the moment average temperatures rise above 50 degrees.
If you live in states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, carpenter bee activity on your property can begin as soon as March or early April. But by the time you actually notice them, they’ll likely already have started burrowing into any exposed wood around your home.
Knowing what to watch for is the key to preventing expensive property damage.
Carpenter bees are born inside wood structures and will overwinter there. As soon as temperatures start to rise in the spring, the adult bees emerge, begin to mate, and start creating new nest tunnels.
Because they don’t have to build their nests from scratch like other insects do, carpenter bees can get down to business right away. They’re especially partial to homes with decks, fences, railings, wooden siding, or porch ceilings, making vigilant carpenter bee control a must.
The ability to catch carpenter bee infestations early makes all the difference, so knowing what to watch for is essential. Here are some key examples to be aware of.
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to mistake carpenter bees for bumblebees, as they look similar. However, one difference to look for is a carpenter bee’s shiny, black abdomen. (Bumblebees have fuzzy abdomens.)
Males often like to hover and hang around near wooden structures and property features. They can occasionally behave aggressively, but they do not sting.
Carpenter bees drill dime-sized, round holes into exposed wood. Once they’ve bored their way in, they create tunnels that run alongside the grain of the wood. Over time, this process can significantly weaken wood.
Watch for small piles of sawdust underneath holes in any wooden structures, as that’s a sure sign of activity. You may also notice yellowish stains appearing below the openings (due to bee waste disposal).
Carpenter bees like to reuse existing tunnels when they can. So, if you’ve had carpenter bees on your property in years past, know that it’s highly likely they’ll try to return there in the future, making prevention a wise move.
A single carpenter bee hole may not seem like a very big deal, but the damage can really add up over time. Not only do multiple tunnels weaken a property’s wood, but they can also attract destructive animals like woodpeckers that like to feed on the bee larvae.
Addressing carpenter bees as early in the season as possible helps prevent:
DIY carpenter bee treatment attempts (e.g., simply filling holes) aren’t usually effective, as bees will simply drill new ones. The best approach is to get a qualified carpenter bee exterminator in New Jersey on the job as soon as you spot signs of the bees on your property.
Worried carpenter bees may have set up shop at your New Jersey home or business? Viking Pest Control has you covered with targeted carpenter bee control treatments that resolve infestations quickly and sustainably.
Every Viking Pest technician possesses deep knowledge of seasonal carpenter bee patterns. We not only take care of existing infestations but also take steps to keep them from returning. Contact us today to schedule an inspection!