Carpenter Bees
Oregon contains two types of carpenter bees, the California carpenter bee and the mountain carpenter bee.
California carpenter bee – It is ¾ to 1 inch in length and mainly metallic green to blue with grayish wings.
Mountain carpenter bee – ½ to ⅝ inch in length with black bodies. Males have black, yellow and white hairs on their heads.
Carpenter bees are large in size, and are often mistaken for bumble bees. Carpenter bees have smooth, shiny, black abdomens, unlike bumble bees, whose abdomens are yellow and hairy.
The common name “carpenter bee” comes from their nesting behavior. Nearly all species burrow into hard plant material such as dead wood or bamboo. Carpenter bees create nests by drilling tunnels into soft wood, which can severely compromise the stability of a structure over time.
Typically, the first indication of a carpenter bee problem is likely a small, perfectly round, dime size hole in wood decks, wood fences, and other weathered or unprotected wood around your home. Carpenter bee tunnels, known as galleries, are bored into wood about 1 inch deep and then the bee will turn at right angles to the initial hole and tunnel with the grain of the wood. Carpenter bee galleries average a depth of 4” to 6”, but some can extend up to 10’. Over time, the bees will continue to expand their gallery by chewing through your home, doing costly damage in the process. If left untreated, these galleries can increase the rate of decay in the wood, weakening its structural integrity. If you discover a carpenter bee infestation on your property it is best to call a professional pest control service and get it removed as quickly as possible.
Carpenter Bees Facts:
- Round shape ranging in length from ¾ to 1 inch. Male carpenter bees have white marks on their heads and female bees are all black.
- Signature white and black coloring (as opposed to yellow jackets with yellow and black pattern).
- Carpenter bees have shiny abdomens, whereas bumblebees are hair-covered.
- Contrary to what many believe, carpenter bees do not eat wood. They live on the pollen and nectar of plants. The females use some of this pollen to make bee bread.
- Carpenter bees make their nests in wood. They prefer old, unfinished wood that is soft.
- It is only the female carpenter bees that build nests.
- The male carpenter bee is not aggressive.
How Altus Pest Control Can Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are easy to spot, especially if you spend much time outdoors. They are active during the day. The first sign of a carpenter bee problem is perfectly round holes on wood surfaces. If you notice fine wood shavings beneath the round hole, this is another indication of carpenter bee activity.
A professional treatment is the best way to help prevent and reduce carpenter bee infestations. Altus Pest Control offers professional treatments for the reduction of carpenter bees and our pest management professionals are thoroughly trained to address carpenter bee problems. If you suspect carpenter bees have moved into your home or business, call today to schedule an analysis of your property. We’re proud to mention that we have over 30 years of experience in bee and wasp control. Our team is skilled to handle both residential and commercial properties.