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Wood bee stings are painful and annoying. They can also cause allergic reactions. If you want to get rid of them, you’ll need to remove their nests. The only question is, how should you go about doing this?
Wood bees are known to be one of the few species of bee that stings both provoked and unprovoked, and otherwise go by the name of carpenter bees due to their attraction to wood.
Typically, wood bees nest in hollow trees, logs, and other wooden structures.
In this article, we will be sharing with you some of the best ways to keep wood bees at bay, as well as additional tips and tricks you can use to keep them at bay. Read on!
What Are Wood Bees?
First things first — what exactly are wood bees? These insects belong to the family Apidae (or wasp). Their scientific name is Xylocopa spp.
They’re not dangerous but tend to sting people, which is a pretty unusual trait for bees. They are also known as carpenter bees because they build their nests in hollowed-out tree trunks, branches, and walls.
They are very common throughout the United States. In fact, it’s estimated that there are over 100 different species of them!
The most common type of wood bee found in North America is called the yellow jacket, and this particular species has been around since prehistoric times. Interestingly enough, wood bees are one of the oldest types of bees in existence.
Otherwise referred to as “carpenter bees,” wood bees are often found living in areas with plenty of trees and forestation (such as a forest). However, they can also be attracted to areas with a lot of wood, such as a carpenter’s work studio.
In addition to being attracted to wood, wood bees have also been observed to prefer areas with plenty of sunlight.
With all of that being said, if you happen to find any of these signs, then you might currently be experiencing a problem with wood/carpenter bees:
- You notice a lot of dead bees around your house
- Many bees are flying around your property
- Your dog starts acting strangely after being outside
- You start noticing an increase in bees around your yard
- You start seeing bees crawling all over your plants
Why Should You Remove Wood Bees?
You can use several methods to get rid of wood bees. However, before we dive into those methods, let’s talk about why you would even want to try to eliminate them.
Wood bees are quite beneficial. They pollinate certain flowers and help create healthy environments. However, they will eventually become a nuisance if you don’t take care of their nests.
This means they will start building more and more nests, which could lead to problems.
You may end up having to deal with swarms of bees, which is something that you don’t want to happen.
As mentioned earlier, wood bees are a type of wasp. They are highly territorial and aggressive. This makes them difficult to control.
This is especially true if you have many of them living in your home or backyard. So, if you want to keep them away from your property, then you need to make sure that you know how to get rid of them properly.
Here are some reasons why you should consider getting rid of wood bees:
They Can Cause Damage
When wood bees swarm, they often leave behind a mess. If you have a lot of them nesting inside your house, you’ll probably have to deal with a lot of damage. In addition, you’ll have to clean up the area where the nest used to be.
They Are A Nuisance
Wood bees aren’t just annoying; they can also be dangerous. When they sting you, they inject venom. This venom isn’t harmful when they sting you on purpose. But if they accidentally sting you while trying to defend themselves, this venom can cause serious health issues.
They Can Be Harmful To Pets And Children
Wood bees are not just annoying. They can also pose a threat to pets and children. If you have kids or dogs, it’s important for you to protect them from wood bees, as just like we have already mentioned above, they tend to bite!
How To Get Rid Of Wood Bees
Now that we’ve talked about why you’d want to get rid of wood bees, we will share with you the best way you can do so.
Generally, the best and safest method is to simply contact an exterminator.
By doing so, an exterminator can tell you what kind of treatment will work best for wood bees while also ensuring that you, your family, and the bees do not become hurt during the removal process.
In addition, they will also be able to give you tips on preventing future infestations. Once you’ve contacted an exterminator, they will come out and inspect your property.
Then, as soon as they’re done inspecting your property, they will provide you with a plan that allows you to get rid of the bees.
Generally, one of the most effective treatments you can use involves spraying insecticide directly onto the bee’s hive. However, most professional exterminators will be able to safely remove the bees without causing any damage to them.
One of the most popular ways this can be achieved is by using a scent repellent spray that will cause the bees to leave the area where the scent is, although the exterminator will be able to determine the best cause of action.
Final Thoughts
There we have it! Wood bees are very common pests that many people encounter every year. However, besides being prone to stinging, they can also be pretty difficult to get rid of once they settle.
But, by following the advice we shared above, you should be able to get rid of them safely.