Understanding Carpenter Bees Vs Bumble Bees In Holliston, Massachusetts

Bee Removal

Mosquitoes, mice, ants, and other critters that invade homes create problems that can lead to damaged property, health hazards, and severe discomfort. Massachusett’s humid climate favors these pests and makes it more challenging to get rid of them. Two of the most common insects in the area are carpenter bees and bumble bees. Though both can cause considerable damage, understanding the differences between the two is the first step to fending them off.

F&W Pest Control has been making homes in Massachusetts a safe haven for families since 1975. Located in Holliston, we offer pest control services for businesses as well as individuals. This article will tell you all you need to know about the two most common types of bees in the area? Carpenter bees and Bumble bees? and the steps you can take to prevent them from wreaking havoc in your home and garden. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Distinguishing Features of Carpenter Bees

The carpenter bee is an insect native to North and South America, and it is one of the most damaging bees in the area. It has a black and yellow body, is usually 1.5 inches in length, and is wider than other bees. They are more abundant during the spring months but can be seen throughout the summer as well.

Carpenter bees feed on nectar, and they enter your home through narrow gaps or holes. They like to nest in weathered wood and other softwood. However, they tend to stay away from hardwood, making them a more threatening pest for homeowners.

Carpenter bees will create holes in wooden surfaces, aggravate existing holes, and chew the surface of your home. Often, their presence can be identified by the yellowish powdery substance that is left behind as a result of them burrowing.

Identifying Bumble Bees

Bumble bees are larger than carpenter bees, and they usually measure 1.5 to 1.8 inches long. They have a fuzzy, bright yellow and black body with some white markings. Unlike carpenter bees, they are spotted during almost all the months, including summer, spring, and fall.

Bumblebees feed mainly on plants and can be found in your garden as they look for food. They are a type of honeybee and create nests in hollowed out spaces like a hollow tree cavity or an old rodent nest.

Since bumble bees are less dependent on woods and other wooden materials like carpenter bees, they are not as damaging to your home. However, they can still cause a significant amount of pain if they sting you. Also, they can be a nuisance for gardeners since they feed on plants.

How to Differentiate the Two

Unlike the carpenter bee, the bumble bee has a furry body. Additionally, the carpenter bee is not as social as the bumble bee and prefers to live alone. The carpenter bee also has a more slender body shape than the bee; Bumble bees have rounder bulky bodies. The best way to distinguish the two is to look for the yellow and black coloration and the size of the insect.

Preventing Infestations at Home

Both bumble bees and carpenter bees can be dangerous and destructive if not taken care of quickly. If you have either of these species of bees that is infesting your home, there are things that you can do to prevent them from coming back.

1. Seal cracks and crevices: Holes and crevices around your home are a main entry point for carpenter bees and bumble bees. Make sure to check regularly for cracks and seal them as soon as possible.

2. Trim foliage: Bumble bees are attracted to dense vegetation, so make sure to keep your plants trimmed and tidy.

3. Use insecticides: There are a variety of insecticides available in the market that are effective in controlling both carpenter bees and bumble bees. Make sure to read the label before use and apply it to all areas where bees might be hiding.

4. Call an exterminator: Sometimes, an infestation can become too hard to handle on your own. Calling an exterminator can help you get the problem under control and prevent future infestations.

Conclusion

Bees can create serious damage to your home and garden if not taken care of quickly. Carpenter bees and bumble bees are two of the most common species present in Massachusetts and can be difficult to differentiate. Though both bees cause damage, it is important to know the difference between these two so that you can take the appropriate measures to prevent them from coming back. By using the right pest control solutions and sealing off entry areas, you can make sure that the bee infestation does not worsen and cause further damages. Finally, if the infestation is too much to handle, you can always call an exterminator for help.

F&W’s integrated pest management approach (IPM) provides the professional quality you need with the environmentally responsible quality of a DIY approach. Trust the expert exterminators at F&W to get rid of your mosquitoes this season. Get a free quote to start debugging your space today.

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Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues including termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and more! Long-term protection is right at your reach with the help of our highly trained team of exterminators in the Greater Boston area. Don’t allow pests to take over your home, put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home. With our help, you won’t have to spend any more free time implementing DIY extermination methods!