Carpenter Bee Control in Savannah, GA

Carpenter Bee FAQs for Property Owners

How can I tell if I have carpenter bees?

Carpenter bees often leave telltale signs of their presence, including:

• Small, perfectly round holes in wood (about ½ inch in diameter).
• Piles of sawdust beneath wooden structures like decks, eaves, or railings.
• Males hovering aggressively near openings, although they do not sting.
• Audible sounds of burrowing or tapping from inside wooden surfaces.

If you notice these signs, a professional inspection with Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control can confirm carpenter bee activity.

Are carpenter bees dangerous to my property?

Yes, carpenter bees can cause long-term damage to your property. Female carpenter bees drill into untreated or weathered wood to create tunnels for laying eggs. Over time, repeated infestations can compromise the structural integrity of wooden features. Additionally, the presence of carpenter bees often attracts predators like woodpeckers, which can cause further damage by enlarging the tunnels.

Can carpenter bees sting?

Female carpenter bees can sting, but are generally non-aggressive and only sting if handled or threatened. Male carpenter bees, while often territorial and intimidating as they hover near nests, are harmless and do not have stingers.

How do you remove carpenter bees?

Professional carpenter bee removal typically includes these steps:

• Inspection – Locating all areas of activity, including tunnels and entry holes.
• Treatment – Applying targeted methods to address active infestations.
• Sealing – Filling and sealing entry holes after treatment to prevent reentry.
• Prevention – Treating vulnerable wood surfaces with finishes or sealants to deter future nesting.

Professional services ensure safe and effective removal while minimizing damage to your property.

How can I prevent carpenter bee infestations?

Preventative steps include:

• Painting or staining wood surfaces, as treated wood is less attractive to carpenter bees.
• Regularly inspecting wooden structures for small holes or other signs of activity.
• Replacing heavily weathered or untreated wood with composite materials when possible.
• Installing screens or wire mesh over exposed wood, especially in areas where carpenter bees are likely to nest.

Our team at Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control can provide specific recommendations tailored to your Savannah property.

Do carpenter bees return every year?

Carpenter bees often reuse old tunnels or expand them if untreated. This is why sealing tunnels after removal and implementing preventive measures is crucial to avoiding future infestations.

Should I handle carpenter bee removal myself?

DIY attempts can be risky and ineffective, as incomplete treatment often leads to recurring infestations. Additionally, improper handling may harm beneficial pollinators. Professional pest control services ensure proper removal, minimize risks, and offer long-term prevention strategies.

What types of wood are most at risk for an infestation?

Carpenter bees prefer untreated, unfinished, or weathered wood, including softwoods like pine, cedar, and redwood. Regular maintenance of wood surfaces reduces their appeal to these pests.