How Bad Is It To Have Carpenter Bees On My West Chester, PA Property?
March 5, 2021
Not everyone is an expert on pests. However, there are basic facts about various species that are commonly spread. In the case of bees, the average person knows that they generate honey. Other widely dispersed details are that they buzz around plants and flowers, support the ecosystem with their pollination and feeding patterns, and bring pain with their stings. While these bits are important, there’s more to understand about bees. For instance, there are multiple classes of them, and several can be quite detrimental.
The carpenter bee subgroup tears into wood material. Your West Chester, PA home or business may be in harm’s way. Get the scoop on these flying insects, so you can protect your property appropriately. Also, you can learn how Masters Touch Pest Solutions can be of assistance.
How Do Carpenter Bees Look & Behave? What Are The Risks?
Carpenter bees on the smaller end are about 0.31 of an inch long. Yellow markings decorate their dark and metallic bodies. Those that are bigger are 0.46 to 0.98 of an inch long. They might remind you of bumblebees, but they have less hair on their frames. Regarding color, they come in black, greenish-black, blue, or purple-blue. Males have yellow blemishes on their face and are unable to sting.
Unfinished or weathered wood is what carpenter bees gravitate to. Cyprus, redwood, fir, pine, and oak are some of the grades they specifically prefer. When they’re not consuming nectar and pollen from greenery, they are surrounding roof eaves, porches and decks, siding, windowsills, and doors. They’ll also swarm near yard furniture, fences, and railings. If they’re permitted to flutter about an extended period, their damage will soon become visible. Key infestation indicators are:
- Lots of tiny openings in foundations and wood
- Fecal particles and stains close to the drill holes
- Sawdust and pollen mounds below the entry gaps
- Seeing carpenter bees at any point
Is There A Way To Prevent Carpenter Bees?
Though carpenter bees pose a greater threat to wood than human life, you don’t want these pests to fester on your property. Otherwise, you may be faced with extensive expenses for cosmetic repair. Their nest-building will continue and cause severe wreckage. You have to stay vigilant about preventive measures. Standard protocols involve consistent lawn maintenance and surveying of your exteriors. Perform the following tasks:
- Have all pieces of unfinished wood painted right away.
- Varnish panels of wood that will be exposed to the sun, rain, or other inclement conditions. Sills and decks that are weathered should be brushed with a fresh coat of paint.
- Close cracks and crevices in foundations, doors, windows, and rooflines.
- Seal voids formed by prior throngs of carpenter bees. Caulk can be useful.
- Regulate pools of standing water, and fix leaks and moisture complications.
- Install metal flashing.
- Mow the lawn and trim greenery regularly. Distance plants and flowers from the property by two feet.
How Will Masters Touch Pest Solutions Handle Carpenter Bees?
Well-rounded care is needed to eliminate carpenter bees, and that’s what we offer at Masters Touch Pest Solutions. Our treatments are designed for both interiors and exteriors. Don’t worry about toxicity and danger; our solutions are safe for belongings, vegetation, humans, and domestic animals. Environmentally-friendly options are available. Our technicians are skilled and licensed by the state. The three subscription plans we provide are easy on the wallet and include recurring visits.
Never try to remove a bee nest, even if it seems abandoned. There could always be a bug left inside. Getting stung isn’t worth the attempt. Commercial insecticides tend to aggravate populations and exacerbate issues. It’s best to call us today at Masters Touch Pest Solutions instead and get a free quote!
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