2 J’s & Sons lawn and landscape, understands the importance of maintaining a serene outdoor space. Keeping pests like Carpenter Bees at bay can be a challenge. As dedicated landscapers in Northwest Arkansas, McDonald County, and Neosho, Missouri, we’ve encountered our fair share of challenges. We’re here to share valuable insights on how to protect your property from these buzzing wood boring intruders.
Carpenter Bee Appearance
Carpenter bees are large flying insects. They range in size from about half an inch to an inch long. Carpenter Bees have a shiny black abdomen with a metallic sheen. Almost resembling polished wood. The upper part of their body can be covered in dense yellow or white colored hair. Their nearly hairless, shiny thorax is often black or dark brown. Carpenter bees are frequently mistaken for bumblebees due to their size. The difference between a Bumble Bee and a Carpenter Bee lies in their back abdomen. The Carpenter Bees’ abdomen lacks the bumblebee’s characteristic fuzzy appearance. These bees also have strong, transparent wings that enable them to fly with agility.
Carpenter Wood Bees Are Great Pollinators
Wood Bees contribute to the reproduction of various plants. Fostering biodiversity and supporting the health of local ecosystems. Despite their nesting habits. The positive impact of Carpenter bees on pollination is huge. The importance of maintaining a balance between their presence and potential structural concerns can be tough.
Northwest Arkansas and Ozark Native Plants Pollinated By Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are crucial in pollinating a variety of native plants in the Ozarks and Northwest Arkansas. Some native plants that benefit from carpenter bee pollination are garden and landscape favorites.
- Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): This native wildflower, also known as bee balm, features bright tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A large, cone-shaped blossom of purple coneflowers
- Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.): The tall spikes of Joe-Pye weed produce clusters of tiny flowers
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): With its vibrant red blooms, the cardinal flower is a favorite in landscaping
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): a late-season bloomer with yellow flower clusters.
- Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana): a parasitic plant that relies on the roots of beech trees.
- Spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.): The unique flowers of spiderwort, often found in woodland areas
- Columbine (Aquilegia spp.): distinctive bright spurred flowers
Understanding Carpenter Bee Damage
Carpenter Bees, also known as Wood Bees, may start as seemingly harmless house guests. Their lasting impact can be more significant. Beyond the annoyance of perfectly drilled holes in wood. These bees create tunnels that can be as long as 4 inches. Wood Bees use these tunnels to lay their eggs. Enough Wood Bees drilling tunnels over time can cause structural concerns.
Preventing Wood Bee Damage:
As professionals in the lawn and landscape industry, 2 J’s recommend preventative measures to safeguard your home. Carpenter Bees are determined little things. A dose of prevention is the best course of action.
- Maintain Exterior Surfaces: Keep exterior wood surfaces well-painted or sealed to deter Carpenter Bees from nesting.
- Clear Wood and Brush Piles: Keep wood and brush piles away from other structures to minimize potential nesting sites.
- Seal Existing Holes: Use wood glue, silicone, or dowel rods to seal existing holes and prevent further nesting.
- Treat New Structures: Apply a deterrent product to untreated wood. This should be done before painting or sealing newly constructed wooden structures.
- General Maintenance: Keep outdoor structures and exposed wood painted and in good repair.
Natural Repellents for Carpenter Bees:
Avoiding harmful chemicals when possible in the garden can be tough. We recommend natural repellents to discourage Carpenter Bees. Without harming them because they are great native pollinators. It also helps to keep surrounding landscaping and garden beds more chemical free.
- Tea Tree Oil or Eucalyptus Oil: Create a spray with 20 drops of oil per cup of water to use on existing tunnels.
- Almond Oil: Contains benzaldehyde, a known pest deterrent, lasting up to three months.
- Essential Oil Mixture: Mix Tea Tree, Lavender, and Citronella Oils in a spray bottle for added effectiveness.
- Garlic and White Vinegar: Boil fresh garlic and add it to white vinegar in a spray bottle; reapply frequently.
2 J’s & Sons Favorite Carpenter Bee Repellent Recipe
We use a lot of Wasp spray each season. A wasp or bee sting can be a big deal for our landscapers. Wood Bees are not like Wasps they rarely sting people. This homemade solution works well for Wood Boring insects. It is less likely to harm the Bee. This spray helps repel them and keep them away from the area, by making the wood less attractive to them.
Repellent Solution Spray: 1 cup of water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, 6 drops of Lavender Oil, and 6 drops of Tea Tree Oil. Mix all ingredients in a clean empty spray bottle. Always use caution with Tea Tree oil, as it can be harmful to humans and pets. Also, be sure to mark the container it is mixed and stored in.
Plants That Deter Carpenter Bees:
Plant deterrents work well in small areas. Consider incorporating these bee-repelling plants into your landscape. Using plants in the garden or surrounding landscape to prevent or deter nuisance pests and attract good insects is called companion gardening. This method of gardening has been used for thousands of years.
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Citronella
- Chrysanthemums
Natural Carpenter Bee Predators
Carpenter Bees have natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory beetles. These Beneficial Insects may indirectly help control Wood Bees. By preying on other insects that the bees compete with for resources. These Beneficial insects can help make your landscape less attractive to Carpenter Bees and Termites.
- Birds: woodpeckers, swallows, and nuthatches, feed on Carpenter Bees. Woodpeckers, in particular, are known to target wood-boring insects, including bee larvae.
- Spiders: Orb-weaving spiders and other spider species may capture adult Carpenter Bees in their webs. While spiders don’t specifically target these bees, they contribute to overall insect control
- Praying Mantises: predators that feed on a variety of insects, including Carpenter Bees.
Give 2 J’s & Sons Lawn and Landscape A Call
At 2 J’s & Sons, we believe that healthy small ecosystems promote outdoor living spaces. Using these tips may help protect your property from Carpenter Bee damage. It may also contribute to a thriving ecosystem and healthy landscape.