April 25, 2014, Toms River, New Jersey: Action Termite and Pest Control has received between 10 and 20 calls a day over the last week regarding Carpenter Bees. These large, attractive-looking bees often burrow into the exposed dry wood of buildings, fence posts and telephone poles.
“Now is the season for carpenter bees,” commented John Russell, General Manager of Action Termite and Pest Control. “This is the time of year when the interactions between people and emerging carpenter bees are at the highest. Action believes it is very important to educate the public about the issues facing homeowners due to Carpenter Bee infestations.”
Action recommends a chemical treatment using an appropriately labeled insecticide that can protect wood for short periods, especially in the spring and summer when carpenter bee nesting activity is apparent. Dust formulations typically provide residual effect and are effective due to the nature of carpenter bee gallery construction.
Action also recommends the installation of copper stuffit along the eves to prevent any new infestations and to seal the carpenter bees inside their galleries. This is to be done at least one week after treatment for maximum effectiveness.
“Preventative measures should be undertaken by homeowners” continued John Russell. “By sealing off the gaps in the fascia board, homeowners will help prevent future infestations.”
A carpenter bee infestation is often first detected by finding large amounts of sawdust on the ground below the area being drilled.
Call 1-800-920-0906 to learn more about Carpenter Bees. Carpenter Bee Facts
- Carpenter bees are so named because they excavate galleries in wood to create nest sites.
- They do not consume wood. Rather, they feed on pollen and nectar.
- Carpenter bees are important pollinators of flowers and trees. Carpenter bees typically are just nuisance pests that cause cosmetic rather than structural damage to wood.
- Nonetheless, considerable wood damage can result from many generations of carpenter bees enlarging existing galleries in wood.
- Carpenter bees somewhat resemble bumble bees, except bumble bees have dense yellow hairs on the abdomen and large pollen baskets on the hind legs. Various species of bumble bees and carpenter bees are similar in size.
- Bumble bees typically nest in the ground whereas carpenter bees nest in wood.
- Carpenter Bees are nature’s pruners by infesting dead tree limbs over time the tree limb falls to the ground.
About Action Termite and Pest Control: Action Termite and Pest Control of New Jersey has been dedicated to delivering prompt and professional pest control services for over 40 years. Family owned for three generations and quality control oriented, Action is your true source for dependable pest control service. Action’s technicians receive on-going training on Local, State, and National procedures and laws.
Call 800-920-0906, email info@actionpestcontrol.com or visit our websites at www.actionpestcontrol.com .