Carpenter Bee Control and Removal- A Beginner's Guide
Carpenter bees are a common problem in Atlanta as well as many other cities in the Southeastern part of the country. If you are an Atlanta resident or lived in the city for any length of time, you might be familiar with these black and yellow colored bees that tend to make nests in wooden structures in both inhabited as well as uninhabited places. So, what exactly is the problem with these bees and why does carpenter bee removal become necessary? Let us find out.
The Problem of Carpenter Bee Infestation
Carpenter bees tend to make their hives and nests in wooden furniture and structures. They bore their way into the wood, make several tunnels, and use them for a long time. The bees are both large and small in size, depending on the species and are similar to bumblebees in their appearance.
It should be noted that carpenter bees are not nearly as dangerous or aggressive as wasps and hornets. The male bees do not sting at all and the female ones sting only if they perceive you as a threat. When they do sting, however, it can be very painful, just as you can imagine. It could lead to further complications if you are allergic to bee stings as well. This is one reason why you should always be wary of stinging insects, even if some of them are not as dangerous as the others.
The most important reason why carpenter bee control becomes necessary is that these bees can cause structural damage to your property in the long run. As mentioned above, they tend to drill holes in wooden structures to build their nests. While the damage is only cosmetic in many cases, excessive drilling by a large number of bees can compromise the structural integrity at times. Not to mention the fact that these nests could also attract birds looking for bee larvae meals. The place could get really messy, with saw dust, larvae, and bird droppings getting accumulated over time.
Carpenter Bee Control and Removal – How Is It Done?
The first rule when it comes to removing bees, or any other stinging insects for that matter, is that you should not try to do it yourself. Firstly – you lack the necessary knowledge and training required to deal with an insect infestation. So, you might not know how to get rid of it completely. Secondly – it is a dangerous task. You could get stung badly, especially if you are not wearing any protective suits. So, it is always a good idea to leave it to the professionals, who can get the job done in a quick and efficient manner.
When it comes to carpenter bee removal, Atlanta residents have no dearth of options at all. No matter which part of the city you live in, you should be able to find a wildlife removal company in the vicinity. Still, it is advisable to do a little background research and choose a company that you can completely trust and rely on.
You can contact a few bee removal companies and ask them for a quote. Most companies will insist on taking a look at the infestation before offering a quote and might send a professional to your place. After taking a close look at the size of the infestation and the damage caused by it, the professional will give you a quote and a timeframe, within which the infestation can be cleared. You can compare the quotes offered by the companies and choose one that suits your budget.
Once you finalize the deal, the company will send a person or two to your place to get rid of the beehive. They generally spray a contact-kill insecticide in and around the nest site and within the holes drilled by the bees. They also seal the holes to make sure the bees do not use the nest again. Some companies might also offer to treat or paint the exposed wooden surface, as carpenter bees generally tend to make their nests in untreated or weathered wood.
Most wildlife removal companies in Atlanta specialize not just in carpenter bee control and removal, but a wide range of other pests as well. So, if you have a pest problem, you should call a professional exterminator right away!