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Carpenter Bees

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What Are Carpenter Bees?

Bees are small insects that have 6 legs and 2 pairs of wings and belong to the bee species, yet each bee looks very different. They range in color from yellow and black to metallic green to black with silver stripes. Bees are closely related to wasps and ants and are generally known for their roles in pollination. Bees feed on pollen and nectar which are their primarily source of energy. They are 16,000 known species around the globe.

 

There are many bee species found in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Honey bees are not a threat to humans  since they are important to our environment. If you see bees and are unsure which kind they are, you should reach out to Affordable Pest Solutions to identify the insect and take steps for treatment if an infestation should occur on or near your New Jersey or Pennsylvania property.

 

What's the difference between Honey Bees, Bumble Bees & Carpenter Bees?

Honey Bees are often confused with other stinging insects such as hornets or wasps since their bodies are similarly -shaped and may contain hair that resembles fuzz. Honey bees build nests that are shaped like honeycombs and usually have many bees flying in or around their nests in large numbers. Honey Bees are usually found near flowers and plants. Honey Bees are probably the most familiar of all of the bee species.

Honey bees are responsible for producing honey that provides an estimated $20 billion source of annual revenue to our economy. They are actually responsible for most of bee stings that have caused half of the deaths attributed to anaphylaxis which is an allergic reaction to the venom the inject. Honey bees will defend their nests from anything they perceive to be a threat and because they leave their stinger behind in their victim only allowing them to sting once. They cannot live without their stinger and soon die immediately after.

Bumble Bees are large, and robust bees that have yellow and black hairs on their abdomen. They obtain their food from flowers and are very beneficial as pollinators of several plant species. Bumble bees are not as aggressive as Honey Bees since they are capable of stinging, yet rarely do and will only sting to protect their nest if it is disturbed. Their stings can be very painful but will not cause an allergic reaction or prove fatal if one isnt allergic to honey/wasp venom. Bumble bees build their nests underground.

Carpenter Bees are also large, and robust bees that have black hairs on their abdomen hence, why they resemble Bumble bees. However, Carpenter bees are black and shiny but are missing the yellow hairs on their abdomens. Male carpenter bees have yellow faces, whereas, the females faces are black. These bees get their name from the little habit they have of boring into wood to make nests to raise their young. They are also known as wood bees since they prefer a large variety of wood but have an affinity for unpainted wood, redwood sidings, cypress, cedar or white pine.

Are Carpenter Bees dangerous?

Carpenter bees are a danger to humans if they are stung by a female and if they are allergic to bee/wasp venom. Never swat at them since this will trigger them to follow you until they sting you or your family members. Male carpenter bees can only show aggressive behavior by flying very close to one;s face and hovering but they can not sting since they lack stingers.

 

How do I prevent Carpenter Bees?

If you notice bee activity in early spring, it’s best to act quickly to preserve your property before these bees cause thousands of dollars in damage. Carpenter bees dont like unpainted wood, so if you see them attempting to move into that area, painting over that wood will keep them away. This is best to do before there is an infestation since painting over carpenter bee holes without getting rid of the infestation wont make the problem go away.

 

If you happen to notice bees building nests in the wood of your home or business or flying about then it is best to contact a pest control professional to identify which species of bee infestation you might have. The bee holes need to be treated professionally and our experts at Affordable Pest Solutions will look for signs of carpenter bee activity and prevent the insects from reemerging in the spring.  These pests will return seasonally and your residential or commercial property will require ongoing carpenter bee maintenance.

How will Carpenter Bees effect my home or business?

Carpenter Bees can be a threat to homeowners or businesses because they cause unsightly damage to your building’s structure.  Female carpenter bees like to bore holes into wood and once they are inside this is where they lay their eggs. These bees can grow to the size of an inch and the holes they make can be easily seen. If you begin to notice holes in your property and also see sawdust, it is a good indication your property now has a carpenter infestation. Try to search for these holes in areas near or around your home wherever there is wood, such as your eaves, siding, patio furniture, patio deck or any wood surface.

 

Carpenter bees are most active from spring into summer and hibernate in the nests they have created during the winter. However, if their infestation isnt dealt with before Spring comes around again, the eggs will grow into adults and find more wood to bury into while laying more eggs. It is best to prevent an ongoing infestation by letting a  professional from Affordable Pest Solutions eradicate their nests so you can break the cycle to stop ongoing damage to your property.  It not worth taking that chance.

Protect your home or business from Carpenter Bees with Affordable Pest Solutions

Affordable Pest Solutions offers expert and professional treatment designed to effectively control and prevent pests from invading and taking over your New Jersey or Metropolitan Philadelphia residential properties. Call Affordable Pest Solutions today for your free estimate at 855-613-2857  or request an estimate today!

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Mark Fowler was very professional and courteous. the manner in which he performed my service was impeccable. I found him to be be very knowledgeable about the product and service rendered. I would highly recommend him and this company to friends and family.
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As advertised and then some. Mark came by within the hour and removed a hornet's nest above my back door. Also sprayed and dusted around to keep away other critters.
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