Those large bees buzzing near your deck or porch in Michigan? They’re likely carpenter bees. These solitary insects prefer peace over confrontation, but can still be a problem. During spring and early summer, they carve tunnels in untreated wood to lay their eggs, often leaving behind sawdust piles below their entry holes. While males can’t sting and females seldom do, the damage they inflict is easy to spot.
Griffin Pest Solutions takes care of carpenter bee problems early, preventing costly damage down the line. Our experts locate active areas, apply effective treatments, and ensure your home stays protected.
How Bad Can Carpenter Bee Damage Get?
Persistent carpenter bee activity can take a serious toll on your property. Those small holes and surface marks may not seem like much at first, but can soon lead to:
- Damaged Steps: Over time, carpenter bees can hollow out wooden steps from within. This internal weakening can cause cracking or collapse, creating a safety hazard much like loose or unstable railings.
- Compromised Support Beams: When carpenter bees burrow into structural beams, they can slowly undermine your home’s framework. If not addressed, this damage may lead to warping or even partial structural failure, though early signs often appear before severe problems occur.
- Visible Wood Damage: Evidence of carpenter bee activity often includes shallow grooves, small dashes, or round markings on wooden surfaces. Unlike termites, they leave their work exposed, making these patterns a clear indicator of an infestation.
- Weakened Railings: Porch and balcony railings are frequent nesting spots for carpenter bees. As they tunnel through the wood, the railings lose their strength and stability, raising the risk of collapse or injury if repairs are delayed.
- Distinct Entry Holes: Carpenter bee entry holes are smooth, round, and about the size of a nickel. These are usually found in exposed wood such as eaves, rafters, or beneath decks where bees begin creating their tunnels.
Left unchecked, carpenter bees can damage your property in no time. Call a professional bee, wasp, and hornet exterminator at the first sign of activity. Our skilled technicians use cutting-edge solutions to control infestations and stop them from recurring. We’re available whenever you need support.
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How to Recognize Carpenter Bees
At first glance, carpenter bees look much like bumblebees. Both have large, rounded bodies and fuzzy black heads. However, carpenter bees can be identified by their shiny, hairless abdomens, while bumblebees appear completely covered in fuzz.
Carpenter bees target bare or unpainted wood, often choosing decks, porches, fences, and sheds. Once inside, they carve long tunnels that remain hidden for extended periods. These hidden passages can gradually compromise the strength of the wood, often going unnoticed until visible damage appears.
Unlike wasps or hornets, carpenter bees don’t form paper nests or dig underground burrows. They depend on wood alone, making them a serious concern for homeowners. Detecting their activity early can save you from costly structural damage.
How to Identify Signs of Carpenter Bees
Homeowners should watch for signs of carpenter bee activity. These insects leave distinct holes and marks in wooden surfaces. Early detection can prevent expensive repairs. Look for common signs such as:
- Internal Sounds: Soft scratching or buzzing from inside wooden structures often indicates carpenter bees are actively nesting and moving within the wood.
- Wood Shavings: Small piles of sawdust or tiny wood fragments beneath holes or on nearby surfaces are left behind as the bees bore into the wood.
- Fan-Shaped Marks: Semi-circular or fan-like patterns around the entrances of holes clearly show that carpenter bees are at work in the wood.
- Visible Holes: Carpenter bee activity usually begins with round holes about half an inch in diameter in untreated wood. These openings serve as the entry points for their tunnels.
The Problems Carpenter Bees Can Trigger
The harm from carpenter bees isn’t limited to visible holes or scratches on your wood. Inside the tunnels, larvae make soft scratching noises, often unnoticed by humans but easily detected by nearby wildlife. Birds and other animals see the larvae as food, which can increase the threat to your property.
As animals like woodpeckers peck at the wood to reach the larvae, the holes grow larger, causing more extensive structural damage. Even a minor infestation can escalate rapidly. Prompt action helps safeguard your home from both the bees and the damage caused by predators.
Keep Bees from Damaging Your Property with Griffin Pest Solutions
Professional pest control is essential for protecting your home from carpenter bees and the wildlife they may attract. Homeowners in Michigan often deal with these persistent insects, and ignoring them can lead to major damage. Griffin Pest Solutions’s experts identify infestations, provide precise treatments, and work to prevent the bees from coming back.
Get in touch with Griffin Pest Solutions today and discover how we stop carpenter bees and other pests before they harm your home.
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