Carpenter bees are beneficial for pollinating plants, but that doesn't mean homeowners want them on the property. These insects cause significant damage to wood structures. In addition, the females sting when they feel threatened. If you've discovered carpenter bees on your land, learn about the ways pest control services get rid of them and how to prevent a recurrence of the problem.

Carpenter Bees and Wood

Carpenter bees make tunnels in untreated or deteriorating wood structures such as fence and deck posts, house eaves and utility poles. The tunnels provide places for them to raise their young and to hibernate during the winter.

Identification of Bees

First, the pest control technician verifies that the bees are carpenter bees and not bumblebees. The two look similar and it's easy to confuse one species with the other. Bumblebees have more yellow on their bodies and also are fuzzier. …show more content…
The holes are small, big enough for one of these bees to fit into, and the insects leave piles of sawdust underneath. There also may be staining underneath from pollen and bee feces. A knowledgeable technician should be able to find every carpenter bee drill hole around the house and outbuildings.

Application of Insecticide

Pest control technicians don't spray insecticide in a wide area to kill carpenter bees, as that will also kill insects that should be left alone. For instance, these workers usually prefer not to harm butterflies and other species of bees that aren't causing problems on the property.

Instead, they use a targeted approach by injecting pesticide powder into the holes created by carpenter bees. A week or two later, a technician returns to plug the holes. It's important not to do this immediately because any bees in the tunnels that were not affected by the powder can simply chew their way out.