Do Carpenter Bees Eat Wood?

As the weather warms, insects of all kinds are appearing throughout our area. Unfortunately, some of them can cause damage as well as aggravation for homeowners. Looking for pest control services in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County or Harford County? At Raven Termite and Pest Control we are your local pest control experts. In this article we will discuss carpenter bees, please read on for more information.
Carpenter bees look very similar to bumble bees but behave very differently. The identifying difference is bumblebees have a hairy abdomen, while a carpenter bee has a smooth and shiny abdomen. Carpenter bees are about half an inch to one inch long and are traditionally solitary bees. The female carpenter bee can sting (but seldom does) while the male carpenter bee cannot.

Why do Carpenter Bees Make Those Holes in Wood?

Carpenter bees do not eat wood. Instead, they make holes and tunnel into wood for their nests. Common places where carpenter bees are found include unfinished wood on porches, sheds, and garages. Carpenter bees usually make perfect circles that are approximately half an inch across. An indicator that you have carpenter bees is finding sawdust-like material underneath half inch holes. Or, finding tan or black stains on wood structures. Carpenter bees release feces as they tunnel into the wood. The feces grow mold over time, which turns black and stains the wood.

Why Carpenter Bees are Not Good for Your Home

While carpenter bees are not aggressive, they do become a nuisance if they have burrowed themselves into your child\’s swing set or frequently used front porches. Carpenter bees damage your wood structures. Plus, most alarming, once a female bee makes her nest in a structure, she will return year after year to reuse her nest.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

Make sure that all your wooden structures are painted and finished to prevent carpenter bees. Carpenter bees prefer unpainted, unfinished wood. However, if you already have a carpenter bee infestation, it is best to call a professional pest control company. A professional company can ensure that all nests are taken care of and the carpenter bees do not return. Using a professional pest control service also means you don\’t run the risk of getting stung!

Raven Termite and Pest Control Services Anne Arundel County

If you are looking for pest control services in Anne Arundel County, or the surrounding area, your top choice is Raven Termite and Pest Control. With over 18 years of experience in the industry, our team is fully licensed and reliable. We can handle all your pest control needs: carpenter bees, rodents, bed bugs, ants, termites, and roaches. We also protect your home or office from wildlife pests such as bats, raccoons, squirrels and more. Contact us today for a free pest inspection of your home or business.

Related Posts

Everything You Need to Know about Termites and How to Get Rid of Them | MD Termite and Pest Control | Raven Termite & Pest Control

Everything You Need to Know about Termites and How to Get Rid of Them

Termites are small wood-destroying insects that can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. They feed on wood, paper, and other materials containing cellulose, making them a major threat to structures. While termite infestations can be difficult to detect, the damage they cause can be extensive and costly. MD termite and pest control can help

Read More »
3 Reasons Why Professional Pest Control is the Best Choice This Month | Annapolis pest control | Raven Termite and Pest Control

3 Reasons Why Professional Pest Control is the Best Choice This Month

Pest control is an important part of any home or business. It is essential to have a pest-free environment to maintain health and safety standards. Professional Annapolis pest control services provide a comprehensive solution for eliminating pests from residential and commercial premises. They use advanced techniques, products, and equipment that are not available to homeowners

Read More »
Raccoons Can Really Damage Your Home | Baltimore County Pest Control | Raven Termite & Pest Control

Raccoons Can Really Damage Your Home

When people think of pests and pest control, they’re usually thinking of roaches, termites, bed bugs, mice, rats, and other small vermin. Most people don’t think to include raccoons in that list. Until it’s too late, that is, and raccoons have already done a lot of expensive damage to their homes. If you see raccoons

Read More »
Scroll to Top