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Carpenter Bee Removal
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter Bees – Destructive And A Nuisance!
Carpenter bees are species in the genus Xylocopa of the subfamily Xylocopinae. The genus includes some 500 bees in 31 subgenera. The name carpenter bee originates from their nesting behavior because almost all species burrow into hard plant material like soft wood. They prefer coniferous wood and are mostly linked to forests in Canada and the US.
If carpenter bees are not removed, they often reuse the same nests by enlarging tunnel networks and building new cells for eggs. Over generations, there can be damage to wood structures. Carpenter bees are a nuisance to property owners Male bees will defend the nest by flying chaotically at the perceived threat. Although rare, females can sting. Contact the professional carpenter bee exterminator to assess your bee situation and take appropriate action to stop the infestation.
About Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees have a bit larger and rounder head than bumble bees and a thick band of orange-brown hairs covering their thorax. Carpenter bees build nests in wood structures, preferring softwoods. They create nests by burrowing into wooden doors, windowsills, wooden lawn furniture, decks, roof eaves, shingles, railings, and more. They build nests in human crafted wood as well as in trees. Adult males and females emerge in the spring to reproduce after spending the winter in their wood tunnels. Females deposit an egg and seal off each chamber. Carpenter bees tend to deposit 6 to 8 eggs at a time.
Carpenter Bees life cycle includes:
- Spending an average of 2 days as an egg
- 15 days as a larva,
- 4 days in a prepupal stage
- 15 days as a pupa.
Development from egg to adult may take about 3 months. Adults come out in August, feed, and then go to the same tunnel for the winter. The bees may live as long as three years. They range in size from about 19 to 25 mm long. Males have a yellow patch on their faces, and the female faces appear solid black.
Carpenter bees have hairless, shiny abdomens. Their wings are translucent and appear a slightly tinted brown colour when seen in bright sunlight. Female carpenter bees have stingers. Males do not have stingers. Female carpenter bees only sting when provoked. Carpenter bees usually live for about one year. Each new bee generation grows and feeds, pollinating flowers before hibernating for the winter.
Carpenter Bees Food Sources
Carpenter bees consume the nectar of a variety of flowers. Developing carpenter bees acquire nutrients from a mixture of pollen and regurgitated nectar from females called, ‘bee bread.’
Signs of a Carpenter Bee Infestation
Carpenter bees cause damage to wooden structures by boring into timbers and other untreated softwood items to build nests. The nests weaken structural wood and leave ugly stains and holes on wooden surfaces of buildings. A sign of carpenter bee infestation is the presence of the large bees flying around wood structures. There may also be a build up of fine wood dust on the ground under entrances to nests. Carpenter bee pest control experts may be enlisted to get rid of infestations. To prevent carpenter bee infestations, varnish or paint external wood since these pests like untreated wood surfaces.
Professional Carpenter Bee Removal Services Provides Peace of Mind
You should not attempt to handle a bee nest. If you disturb a nest, you may provoke the carpenter bees to attack and sting you. It’s best to avoid bee, wasp, or hornet nests. A carpenter bee infestation is best left to a professional carpenter bee pest control service. If you are experiencing high numbers of carpenter bees in or around your home, there is likely a nest nearby. When a bee nest is discovered, it is important to contact a carpenter bee exterminator before the situation gets out of control.
Please feel free to contact us by phone or email anytime. We are available seven days per week to provide pests such as the carpenter bees, and wildlife control services in Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, and surrounding areas, or to answer any of your questions.
