Understanding carpenter bee facts is an important part of proper and effective treatments. Although carpenter bees aren’t active year-round, the short time they are active can mean serious structural damage that could be avoided. Many people aren’t familiar at all with carpenter bees. In fact, they may think the bees are bumble bees instead! Getting to know the pest may help prevent damage in the future.
Large infestations of carpenter bees are not uncommon when left untreated. Pest control is important when these damaging pests are present. Their damages can even hinder the sale of a home until treatment is performed.
Four Seasons Pest Solutions has been providing customers with carpenter bee-free lives since 1978, and we have no intentions to stop!
Here is some interesting facts and information on carpenter bees, that you need to know:
Carpenter Bees
Scientific Name: Xyclocopa
Color: Yellow and black
Size: 3/4 to 1 inch long
Shape: Robust and oval
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Food Sources: Pollen and nectar
Threats:
- Can cause serious property damage over time
- Males are territorial and aggressive but cannot sting
- Females have painful sting but rarely use it
Habits:
- Solitary and do not nest together or colonize
- Bees emerge in spring to feed on nectar and reproduce
- Female bores circular ½ inch diameter holes to construct brood cells
- Tunnels are made in wood, brood cells are completed and eggs are laid
- Males may bob at a passerby as they protect their brooding female
Nests and Colonies:
Carpenter bees build their nests within wood galleries they have chewed. This begins around Late April. Galleries are 4 or 6 inches long on average but have been found over 10 feet long. Carpenter bees nest solitarily.
Reproduction and Lifecycle:
Once the eggs are laid, they will hatch in roughly 2-3 days. Larva then feed around 15 days and are pre-pupate for 4 days. Pupal stages last roughly 15 days and metamorphosis is complete. Males and female breed in mid-air during flight and the process begins afresh.
Infestation
Carpenter bees infest exposed wood or wood that may not be visible but is accessible by the bees.
Preventative Measures:
- Carpenter bees prefer bare wood. Painting and staining wood can help prevent damage.
- Use an exterior paint designed specifically for your particular application.
- Log homes have recommended products for use as a protectant.
- Additionally, you can look for smooth, ½ inch diameter round holes in exposed wood and sawdust piles under the holes which signify current activity.
- The presence of carpenter bees flying around the structure are also a tell-tale sign that you may have an infestation.
Contact Four Seasons Pest Solutions for preventative carpenter bee treatments.