A homeowner in Virginia noticed that there was a species of bee burrowing and drilling into the deck on their home. Being a person that wants to protect all bees, she ignored their presence. For many, many years. Well, on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, their adult daughter walked out the sliding doors and onto the wooden deck and after taking a few steps, her leg fell through the drill hole ridden wood injuring her leg and hip. After medical treatment, the homeowners were informed that their beautiful deck is now unsafe for anyone to walk on due to Carpenter Bees having made hollow pathways throughout the entire structure!
This could have easily been prevented by a Pest Control Specialist like Summit Environmental Solutions, (SES). Here are a few natural ways to be proactive and prevent Carpenter Bees:
Best natural carpenter bee control
There doesn’t appear to be any “natural” or “organic” way to control carpenter bees. However, there are a couple of things you can do to protect your home from carpenter bee damage.
Hardwoods
Building a home with hardwoods rather than softwoods is a good way to naturally keep carpenter bees away from your home. Carpenter bees prefer softwoods like white pine, cedar, California redwoods, and Douglas firs. Simply put: pine bad, oak & maple good.
Treated lumber
Using treated lumber to build your home or extensions to your home is a good idea. Generally speaking, carpenter bees will steer clear of any lumber that has been treated. They prefer untreated, softwoods.
Paint
Paint your home and keep the paint in good condition if you want to prevent a carpenter bee infestation. Just like treated lumber, carpenter bees will avoid any kind of wood that’s covered with paint. Varnish and stain do not ensure that carpenter bees will stay away from your timbers. Polyurethane paints are your best defense against carpenter bees.
If you find that you are being inundated with Carpenter Bees or you have spotted the first Carpenter Bee, call Summit Environmental Solutions, (SES) right away for a free inspection and non-obligatory estimate and we will come up with a plan to rid your home of the Bees.
Do carpenter bees sting?
The answer is yes. Female Carpenter Bees can sting you, although they are very unlikely to do so unless you are handling them, or poking your fingers into their burrows which you should definitely not do! Male Carpenter Bees are not equipped with stingers.
