Carpenter Bees

What are carpenter bees?

Carpenter bees get their name from their practice of excavating galleries in wood for the purpose of raising the young. Adults resemble bumble bees and measure 1/2 - 1 inch, with a shiny black abdomen.

Why do I have them?

Carpenter bees do not live in nests or colonies. Carpenter bees overwinter as adults in abandoned nest tunnels. They come out in the spring, usually in April or May. After mating, the fertilized females excavate tunnels in wood and lay their eggs inside a series of little cells. The cells have a ball of pollen on which the larvae feed. The larvae emerge as adults and feed on nectar in late summer. The access hole and tunnels are round and are about a 3/4 inch in diameter. Coarse sawdust the color of fresh cut wood will often be nearby the entry hole, and burrowing sounds may be heard from within the wood. Female carpenter bees may hollow out new tunnels for egg laying, or enlarge and reuse old ones. The degree of damage to wood which has been used for nesting year after year may be significant.

Are they dangerous?

Male carpenter bees can become aggressive if approached, but have no stinger. Females have a stinger which is rarely used.

How do you get rid of carpenter bees?

Carpenter bees may be difficult to control that’s why our service includes the necessary products and follow up visits for one fee. Our treatment methods consist of the following:

Initial Service - Detailed inspection of the interior and exterior of your home, then a targeted treatment of all areas where activity is present. Each Initial Service includes the application of seven exclusive Pest Guard steps, designed to rid your home of unwanted pests and keep them away.

Follow Up - Quarterly interior/exterior or exterior-only services will be scheduled as part of our annual Integrated Pest Management program. All Schendel Premium Care customers enjoy the benefit of our PestZero Guarantee. If pests return in between visits, Schendel returns for free.

Can I do it myself?

Due to the complexity of treatment and the time required, carpenter bees are generally not a pest many people have success in eradicating. Beware when purchasing pesticides and other products online as many are not effective. Pesticides can be harmful to people and pets if they are misused or mixed improperly.

How soon can you get here?

Schendel is 100% committed helping you ASAP. In most cases, we can respond the same or very next day.

Is the treatment safe?

Schendel uses the least amount of material as possible while still resolving the problem. We utilize natural products, baits, and mechanical means as a form of treatment as much as possible. When conventional materials are required, we follow very stringent guidelines for the use of the product so that is poses no threat to people, pets or plants. All products are registered by the EPA. Our service technicians will inform you of any specific safety measures that need to be taken.

How much does it cost?

We have standard pricing for all of our pest services, based on average size homes under 3500 square feet, and where the infestation does not require more than the standard number of services. We will always make you aware of any price changes before we start your service. Sign up for your FREE quote today and see how much you can save with Schendel.

What is the warranty?

Schendel offers customers an exclusive PestZero Warranty. We will target the source and eliminate your pest problem. If pests return, Schendel returns for free. Guaranteed.

How can I prevent this in the future?

Pest problems can be difficult to prevent. Many of our clients choose to continue service with our carpenter bee services to keep pests out of their home. You can also check our Pest Prevention Tips here. 

Where does Schendel service?

Schendel Pest Services provides residential and carpenter bee control and extermination services for Topeka, KS, Kansas City, KS, Lawrence, KS, Wichita, KS, Kansas City, MO, Springfield, MO, Phoenix, AZ, and Norman, OK.