You’re probably familiar with carpenter ants. Now there’s another industrious pest making a “buzz” around Monmouth County NJ. Read on to find out if you need the services of a carpenter bee exterminator.
What Are Carpenter Bees?
Carpenter bees generally make their appearance in the spring, attending to the task of pollinating plants. They’re about one inch in length, with yellow and black coloring that’s similar to other varieties of bees. One significant difference is that their abdomens are shiny, black, and flat. Unlike bumblebees, which have hair on their abdomens to capture pollen, carpenter bees collect pollen on their shoulders.
This species gained their name because of their habit of boring into wood. Much like carpenter ants, they don’t consume wood as termites do. Rather, they burrow into wood to create cells where reproduction occurs. Female carpenter bees deposit an egg in each cell and feed the newly hatched larvae with pollen.
Carpenter Bees: Friend or Foe?
According to scientists, carpenter bees play a valuable role in the ecosystem. In addition to pollinating flowers, they feed birds and increase the yield of certain plants. When creating cells, carpenter bees gravitate toward unpainted or unfinished wood where they bore along the grain, resulting in little to no structural damage. Ironically, while the males are the ones who sometimes appear aggressive, the females are the ones with stingers.
How to Discourage Carpenter Bees
- Since carpenter bees prefer unfinished wood, make sure any exposed wood on your property is stained or painted.
- Create an alternative site for their activity with a nearby pile of wood or a dead tree.
Rely on Our Carpenter Bee Exterminator
Our trained technicians can remove carpenter bees and other common household pests safely and effectively. Contact us your local carpenter bee exterminator at Allison Pest Control for more information.
