When household residents see large bees buzzing about the property, they may feel nervous about the possibility of being stung. Sometimes these are carpenter bees, which look similar to bumblebees. They are not aggressive, but there are reasons to call a service providing professional Insect Control in Pittsburgh PA if the insects are seen frequently in the yard.
Allergies to Bee Venom
First, the females of this species will sting if they feel threatened. The males are incapable of stinging, but people won’t know whether a bee flying around a soda can is a male or female. Some individuals are allergic to bee venom, so having carpenter bees on the property can create a certain level of risk.
Wood Tunnels
Second, these bees tunnel through wood and can cause a significant amount of damage to a building, fence, or other structure. Their excavation work is the reason they are referred to as carpenters. People may notice holes of about 1/2-inch in diameter in untreated wood and not realize what critter is making them unless they see a bee crawling into or out of a hole. The tunnels are where bees raise their offspring.
Tunnels can reach up to 4 ft. in length and have galleries where the eggs are laid. The damage is nowhere near what termites cause because carpenter bees are solitary and do not live in enormous colonies. Nevertheless, this still can be a problem. The flaws are unattractive, and holes in wood increase the chance of moisture entering and causing rotting. A pest control service such as The-Beeman can help.
Effective Pest Control
Pest control for these bees may include installing traps on the property. Spraying insecticide may be necessary. In addition, technicians with a service providing Insect Control in Pittsburgh PA can show customers how to make the property less attractive to carpenter bees.
Staining or painting untreated wood is an important step, as that is the kind of material bees choose to tunnel through. Painting the materials is generally more effective than staining them. Anyone wanting assistance with eliminating carpenter fees from a residential property may click here to get started.
