We associate bees with plant pollination and byproducts like honey and beeswax, but one type of bee is best known for its destructive habits. Carpenter bees not only cause cosmetic damage but also threaten the structural integrity of your property. Here’s what you need to know about this pesky insect, including when you should call pest control.

How Can You Identify Carpenter Bees?

These insects don’t look like average bumblebees. Instead of being covered with furry yellow and black stripes, a carpenter bee has a smooth black abdomen and yellow hairs located on its thorax. They’re also slightly larger than other bees, measuring over an inch in length. Despite their intimidating appearance, carpenter bees are unlikely to sting.

Where Can You Find Carpenter Bees?

Carpenter bees love wood. They carve tunnels and channels into softer structures to hibernate, lay eggs, and protect their larvae. They’re most commonly attracted to unpainted wooden structures around your home’s exterior like doors, windowsills, shingles, decks, and fences. They also burrow themselves in softwood from red cedars, white pines, and pecan trees.

How Do You Check for an Infestation?

Carpenter bees weaken structures over time and leave them vulnerable to decay and rot. You should call pest control if your structure has circular entrance holes that are roughly the diameter of your pinky finger. Wood shaving piles outside these tunnel holes are also good indicators of carpenter bees. While you won’t see carpenter bees during colder months, you’ll see plenty of activity going in, out, and around these holes from early spring to late summer.

Coppermines Pest Control has proudly served Murrayville and the North GA community since 2004. This family-owned operation offers comprehensive services, including a semi-annual treatment for carpenter bee damage outside your home. Contact them at (888) 717-7035 or visit their website for more information. 

We've been voted the best pest control company in Lumpkin County by The Dahlonega Nugget's "Best of Lumpkin" awards every year since 2008. We'd like to thank everyone who continually helps make this possible.