What You Need To Know About Carpenter Bees

There probably isn't a pest control company in South Carolina that hasn't dealt with carpenter bees. They are destructive and can cause more anxiety than they are really worth based on people's natural aversion to bees and their limited defenses.

Recognize Carpenter Bees


Carpenter bees are easy enough to recognize as you review your need for summer pest
control. They look very much like bumblebees at first glance, but there are significant differences in their appearance. Carpenter bees have a smooth, hairless abdomen, but bumblebees have a hairy abdomen. Male carpenter bees don't have stingers either.

Do They Sting?

Since only the female carpenter bee has a stinger, your chances of getting stung are pretty slim. You wouldn't know it to watch the male carpenter bees in action though. They prefer to stay under the radar and mind their own business, but if they feel that you might be a threat to them or the female, they will make a lot of noise with their swarms. They can't hurt you, but unless you realize what they are in that moment, you are likely to panic.

Even the female will avoid stinging you if she can because her business is to lay the eggs. She keeps occupied with that task and will only sting you if she happens to be out and sees you as a threat. Otherwise, you are likely to never even see her.

Signs of Carpenter Bee Infestation

Carpenter bees get their name from the fact that they live and breed on wood. You can see the signs of them by looking at the wood of your home, some of which might be hidden. Their nests look similar to termites in that they create tunnels in the wood so that the females can lay their eggs.

If you happen to see bees in areas like your siding or soffit and fascia, you may have a carpenter bee infestation. It's important to take care of the problem immediately since the longer they live there, the more destruction your structure faces. Professionals can handle this problem with ease.

If you think you have a carpenter bee problem, contact Thompson Brothers so that we can help you resolve it immediately. We offer carpenter bee removal as well as any other summer pest control services you might need. Give us a call today so that we can take care of your pest control problem before it gets worse.