Table of Contents
What Seattle Consumers Should Know About Carpenter Bee Infestations And Pest Control!
Carpenter bees belong to an insect classification deemed “parasocial.” Insect species that make up the parasocial classification exhibit both social and solitary behaviors. For example, the adult male carpenter bee lives and travels alone unless paired with an adult female and vice versa.
Paired carpenter bees are more problematic for Seattle property owners than solitary carpenter bees. Lone carpenter bees have no need for nests, unlike the pair, which utilizes the same nest breeding season after breeding season. If you discover a carpenter bee nest on your property, you can guarantee it is the work of an adult female and male in preparation for their young.
The adult carpenter bee grows up to 1.5 inches in length. The adult male is a mixture of orange and black while the adult female is solid black. This physical characteristic is most commonly utilized for identification purposes by scientists and exterminators.
Why Is My Seattle Property Under A Carpenter Bee Attack?
Properties with decaying wooden structures like porches, trees, decks, sheds, and garages are under continuous threat of carpenter bees. Since the insect is parasocial and only travel in pairs, infestations are extremely rare. However, a carpenter bee nest poses many risks for property owners and their pets and young children.
Out of curiosity, pets and children will approach a carpenter bee nest to inspect it more closely. What they do not know is the nest is guarded by two adult carpenter bees that are aggressive at times. The carpenter bee pair believe the intruder is a predator, which could result in an attack and/or sting.
The adult female is the only member of the carpenter bee species with a stinger. If your child or pet is stung, you can contribute it to an adult female because males do not have stingers. Fortunately, carpenter bee stings are rarely reported in Seattle, in the United States for this matter. The bee species’ timid nature makes it less likely to sting humans or animals compared to the yellowjacket species.
Do Carpenter Bees Transmit Diseases And Parasites?
No, the carpenter bee does not carry diseases or parasites. The only threat, a big threat at that, is a sting, which is very rare. Just because the carpenter bee is not known to utilize its stinger very often does not mean you should freely approach the nest. These insects are extremely dangerous when they are under threat by what is believed to be a predator.
Carpenter bee stings are extremely dangerous for people with a history of bee sting allergies. In other people, the sting will result in mild edema (swelling), redness, and itching. People with bee sting allergies may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition when left untreated for even a short period of time.
Carpenter bees bore holes in rotting wood to hide their nests from predators. Unfortunately, the extra work will not always pay off, especially when woodpeckers are in the nearby vicinity. Woodpeckers are drawn to carpenter bee larvae. These birds will enhance the damage caused by the carpenter bee’s boring. They will peck at the bored holes in an attempt to access the nest where the larvae are housed.
What Is The Best Carpenter Bee Pest Control Strategy?
The safest and most effective carpenter bee pest control strategy is a pesticide. We have a broad range of pesticide formulas, including chemical-based, organic, conventional, eco-friendly, and non-toxic, all of which are professional-grade strength.
Our pest control also includes the safe removal of the carpenter bee nests. Once the carpenter bees are eradicated, our exterminators will safely remove the nest. We do not recommend inexperienced individuals to attempt such a feat because carpenter bees exhibit aggressiveness, with potential stinging behavior.
Carpenter bee females are venomous, meaning their stings may result in a mild to a severe allergic reaction.
Are DIY Pesticides Recommended For Carpenter Bees?
No, carpenter bees are aggressive insects that pose risks for everyone involved. It is unfortunate to be caught up in a carpenter bee trap. This is very common since the nest is hidden deep inside of wood. You could unknowingly put yourself in danger when approaching the nest because carpenter bees will do whatever is necessary to protect their young.
DIY pesticides may eradicate the carpenter bee pair, but will most likely have no impact on the larvae and nest.
Does Carpenter Bee Pesticides Contain Harmful Chemicals?
Chemical-based pesticides contain toxins that pose environmental and human health risks. However, it is possible for Seattle exterminator to minimize these risks by heeding the US Environmental Protection pesticide guidelines. We take pesticide safety very seriously, which is why our pesticide lineup is only comprised of EPA-approved formulas.
To further minimize these risks, we heed the manufacturer’s recommendations during handling, storing, treating, and transporting pesticides.
What Is The Best Carpenter Bee Prevention Solution?
The best carpenter bee prevention strategy is one that targets the nest. Since carpenter bees utilize the same nest breeding season after breeding season, it is crucial to remove it. We will start with pesticides to eradicate the carpenter bee pair and start removing the nest and larvae.
When Will The Exterminator Have Time To Perform The Carpenter Bee Inspection?
Once you submit your pest control service request to our Seattle office, we will begin processing it. This will take between 24 to 48 hours to complete, at which time we will dispatch an exterminator to your home. If you believe your carpenter bee case deserves immediate attention, do not hesitate that to take advantage of our same-day or emergency service.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.
