8 Things You Didn’t Know About Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees, like termite swarmers, are among the commonly seen wood destroying insects that NY and NJ homeowners are forced to exterminate each Spring. Carpenter bees look just like large bees, but unlike other bees, carpenter bees bore holes in wood in order to lay eggs, causing damage to your home, deck, or outdoor furniture.

Here are some interesting facts and points on carpenter bees that make them unique from other types of stinging insects:

  • The typical carpenter bee gallery has an entrance on a wood surface, it continues inward for a short distance then turns sharply and runs in the same direction as the grain of the wood. The carpenter bees divide these tunnels into cells where individual larvae will develop.
  • Female carpenter bees pack pollen at the end of the gallery where an egg is laid.
  • While several females may be nesting in the wood of the same structure they are acting in a solitary fashion.
  • Common nest sites are siding, eaves, wooden shakes, telephone poles, and lawn furniture.
  • Soft weathered wood and unpainted wood is preferred for nesting.
  • Carpenter bees produce one generation per year.
  • Tunnels are prepared and eggs are laid in the spring.
  • Females do have stingers but they are not an aggressive bee.

Mrs. Bzzz Pest & Termite Solutions offers carpenter bee control with the combination of using liquid and dust products where applicable. For homes where carpenter bees are tunneling under vinyl fascia boards we offer exclusionary services using a product called excluder. This is a one time service, and eliminates having to have your home treated every year with a liquid.

So put down the tennis racket that you use to kill the bees, and call Mrs. Bzzz Pest & Termite Solutions to set up an inspection today: (973) 513-3501 or request an inspection through our website.