It’s never comforting to hear the buzzing sound of carpenter bees in or around your home. Carpenter bees are a most common insects to find flying around your home. While they may seem intimidating, do not worry; an exterminator can remove them fairly easily. Below is a guide to these pests so you can arm yourself with knowledge in case you suspect an infestation.

What You Should Know About Carpenter Bees

What Do Carpenter Bees Look Like?

Carpenter bees look similar to bumble bees, except they are mainly black. They’re also separated into two types: large and small. Large carpenter bees are between 12 and 25 millimeters in length and may be greenish black, purplish blue, or shiny blue. The males also have yellow on their faces while both males and females have yellow hairs on their legs and abdomen. Small carpenter bees are under eight millimeters in length and are a dark color with a metallic sheen. They also have yellow on their bodies and faces.

Why Do Carpenter Bees Appear?

You’re more likely to face carpenter bees if your home has unfinished or worn wood. Instead of eating the wood, they build nests within the weak structure and spend the winter there. In the spring, you’ll find they’ve appeared around the eaves, deck, siding, or porch of a home. They continue to expand their tunnel network and damage the wood if they’re not taken care of by an exterminator. 

How Dangerous Are They?

The females can sting, but will only do so if they’re constantly bothered. The males cannot sting, but they will appear menacing by buzzing as they guard the nests. They’ll do more damage to your home than to you. However, if you’re allergic to bees and are stung by a female, then seek medical attention immediately. By painting wood and keeping your home’s windows and doors shut, you can prevent carpenter bees from causing further problems. 

If you’ve noticed carpenter bees around your home, the team at All-Rite Pest Control Versailles in Woodford County, KY, will banish them from your property. They’re the first and only exterminator company that is owned and operated by a Board-Certified Entomologist, which means they have the expertise to handle all types of insects. Whether you have bed bugs, rodents, termites, or another household pest, their thorough extermination services will make you feel comfortable in your home again. Call (859) 276-4455 to make an appointment with an exterminator or visit their website to learn more about their wide variety of services.