Ever wonder what the giant hovering "bumble bees" are? Well, they probably aren't bumble bees but carpenter bees. This generally non-stinging bee gets its name because it excavates precisely rounded holes that lead to tunnels, or "galleries" inside of wood, especially softwoods.
They aren't unique to South Carolina; They can be found across the southern United States and even north to New York. But perhaps because of our warmer climate and vast woodlands, they like living in the Upstate as much as we do! And it's good that we have them; Carpenter bees are essential in pollinating plants but require home maintenance like other wood-boring insects.
Personally, it was not until we built our home on the lake many moons ago that I experienced carpenter bees. I didn’t think twice about all the exposed (and temporarily untreated) wood we had on our decking – that is, until the carpenter bees moved in. I know, and my husband will surely agree, that I may exaggerate, but I thought our house was under attack! Back then, there were few options in the way of prevention, but luckily times have changed!
A few years ago, a client bought a home with a beautiful porch with a cedar ceiling. That first Spring, they would find sawdust sprinkled on their porch furniture. Soon after that, they had a woodpecker start poking around. They mentioned the seemingly unrelated issues, and I introduced them to carpenter bees.
Carpenter Bee Season
In Spring, usually around April, you may notice the loud and large bees near wooden or timber structures. Or you may spot perfectly round holes with sawdust underneath. That's because carpenter bees drill holes in wood, usually unpainted or unvarnished wood surfaces, such as fascia boards, overhangs, soffits and window frames, outdoor furniture, rafters, siding, wood shake roofs, and decks. They prefer softer wood like redwood, cedar, cypress, and pine. If left unchecked, the carpenter bees can be a problem because they reuse their tunnels each season, which means the tunnels can become longer yearly. Also, the bees are loved by woodpeckers, so in time, you may see them calling to reach the larvae, yummy.
An Ounce of Prevention
Unlike when I encountered them, you can get a once-a-year treatment to ward off the busy bees. Most pest management companies, like Terminix, Quality Pest, and others, offer a service best applied to wood surfaces before the bees emerge in March. In addition to professional treatment, consider painting or varnishing exposed wood or placing slabs of wood, which are ideal for burrowing, away from your home to give the insects something more suitable nest option.
If you have existing holes, seal them up to prevent reuse. It is not unusual for home inspectors to note open carpenter bee holes in their reports. There are several ways to do that online, like this article from Today’s Homeowner, and most will recommend treatment, stuffing the tunnels with something the bees can’t get through, like steel wool and sealing crevices and spaces.
Get a Home Checkup
Schedule a Home Checkup today. Whether you are considering selling next month, next year, or longer, it's never too early to prepare. Like an annual health physical, a Home Check Up is a chance to determine if any updates or projects - like filling carpenter bee holes - could be done to help prepare for an eventual sale to maximize the sale price.
Important Side Note: They are not the same heavy-duty pollinator as honey bees, but they contribute a bit to pollination. Consider bee lodges if you want to promote their pollination and lure them away from your wooden structure!
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