How To Identify Carpenter Bees
At first glance, carpenter bees can easily be mistaken for bumblebees—but there are key differences that help you tell them apart.
Carpenter Bees:
- Have a shiny, solid black abdomen instead of the fuzzy yellow-and-black striped body of bumblebees.
- Are larger and less hairy, especially on the lower half of their bodies.
- Tend to hover near wooden structures such as decks, fences, siding, and eaves.
- Do not form large colonies—females bore individual tunnels into the wood to lay eggs.
Unlike bumblebees, carpenter bees don’t nest in the ground. Instead, they drill perfectly round holes about ½ inch wide into untreated or unpainted wood, creating long tunnels for nesting. While one or two bees might not seem like a big deal, the damage can multiply quickly as generations reuse and expand these tunnels year after year.
The Damage Carpenter Bees Cause Around Akron Homes
Carpenter bees may seem harmless at first, but their tunneling habits can lead to costly and even dangerous structural issues if left untreated. Here’s what makes them a serious threat to your property:
- Weakened wood: Carpenter bees often tunnel at 90-degree angles, which weakens wooden beams, siding, and trim. Over time, this can cause structural instability.
- Visible wood damage: You may notice round holes, sawdust-like shavings, or even bulging and warped wooden boards.
- Moisture intrusion: The holes carpenter bees create allow water to seep into the wood, leading to rot and mold growth.
- Increased pest activity: Abandoned tunnels can attract other wood-damaging pests like carpenter ants or rot-feeding beetles.
If you’ve spotted carpenter bees flying near your home—or heard faint scratching or buzzing in your wooden structures—it’s time to take action before the damage worsens.
Do DIY Carpenter Bee Treatments Work?
You may have heard about DIY remedies like spraying tunnels with a mix of vinegar and water or using boric acid solutions. While these can kill carpenter bees on contact, they typically only affect bees near the entrance of the tunnel.
Unfortunately, carpenter bee tunnels can extend several inches (or even feet) into the wood, meaning most DIY treatments don’t reach the source of the infestation. Additionally, sealing holes before the bees are gone can trap live bees inside, leading to even more damage as they chew their way out.
That’s why professional carpenter bee control from Epcon Lane Pest Control is the most reliable and long-term solution.
The Best Carpenter Bee Treatment In Akron, OH
At Epcon Lane Pest Control, we specialize in safe, effective carpenter bee removal and prevention for homes and businesses throughout Akron. Our pest management experts use proven, eco-friendly methods to eliminate existing infestations and protect your wood from future damage.
Our process includes:
- Comprehensive inspection of your property to locate tunnels and nesting sites.
- Targeted treatments that reach deep into carpenter bee galleries for full elimination.
- Wood protection treatments to discourage future nesting.
- Preventive maintenance plans to keep your home pest-free year-round.
We take pride in protecting Akron homes with environmentally responsible pest control solutions backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Preventing Carpenter Bee Damage: Tips From The Experts
After professional treatment, prevention is key to keeping carpenter bees away for good. Here are a few simple ways to protect your home:
- Paint or seal exposed wood: Carpenter bees prefer untreated wood. Applying paint, stain, or varnish can make surfaces less appealing.
- Repair old tunnels: After treatment, fill holes with wood putty or caulk and repaint to prevent reentry.
- Reduce attractants: Keep outdoor wood furniture sealed and store it when not in use.
- Inspect regularly: Each spring, check decks, siding, and eaves for new holes or bee activity.
Consistent upkeep paired with Epcon Lane’s professional pest protection will keep your home free from carpenter bees and other wood-damaging insects.
Call Epcon Lane For Trusted Carpenter Bee Control In Akron
Don’t let carpenter bees destroy your home’s woodwork or outdoor spaces. Whether you’ve seen the first signs of tunneling or are facing a full infestation, Epcon Lane Pest Control has the tools, training, and expertise to eliminate carpenter bees safely and completely.
