Most people are afraid of bees. This is rightfully so as they always stand the risk of stinging you. Undoubtedly, a bee infestation is one thing that you would not want to have in your home. Carpenter bees are one of the most common bees that a homeowner could find on their property. By getting to know a bit more about them, you could potentially identify them as well as prevent them from nesting in your compound.
- Identifying these bees: Typically, these bees tend to be between three quarters of an inch to about an inch long. Physically, the upper part of their bodies, the thorax, tends to be quite fuzzy. However, their lower extremities are rather bare and glossy. The females can be identified with their black heads whereas the males have white spots on their heads.
- What behavior to expect from carpenter bees: The males of these species tend to be the aggressive ones of the bunch. This is largely because they are tasked with ensuring the security of the nest that they have built. However, the males do not posses any stingers. Only the females do thus if you are stung by one of these bees, you were stung by a female. These bees will hibernate in their nests throughout the cold winter months and only emerge once spring is in full swing. These bees do not live in colonies as the honey bees do. Instead, the females will build individual nests where they will proceed to lay their eggs.
- Preferred nesting areas: These bees are considered pests as they will build their nests on wood surfaces that are unpainted. Although their nests may not structurally damage the wood as termites’ would, they still ruin its aesthetic appeal. Thus, to avoid carpenter bees from building nests around your home, ensure all wooden surfaces are painted or varnished.