At Dominion Pest Control LLC., we believe in environmentally friendly pest control practices that protect both your home and the ecosystem.

 

When it comes to carpenter bees, we find ourselves in a unique love-hate relationship.

 

On one hand, we absolutely love these incredible creatures for their role as pollinators. On the other hand, we understand the frustration of homeowners who face the potential damage they can cause to structures.

 

Our goal is to strike a balance that allows us to protect these essential insects while preventing harm to your home.

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Carpenter bees are vital members of the native pollinator community. Much like honey bees, these insects help fertilize flowers as they travel from plant to plant, transferring pollen. Their work is especially important for the health of gardens, fruit trees, and plants that rely on pollination to produce seeds and fruit.

 

Without carpenter bees, many native plants and crops would suffer, making them invaluable to our environment.

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While carpenter bees are beneficial to nature, they can also become a problem when they decide your home or wooden structures are suitable places for nesting. Carpenter bees are known for boring into wood to create their nests, and their method of entry can cause significant, often unseen, damage.

 

Carpenter bees drill perfectly round holes, usually about half an inch in diameter, into wooden surfaces. These holes are often located in soft, untreated wood, such as fascia boards, decks, and eaves. Once inside, the bees create horizontal tunnels that can extend several inches or even feet, depending on the size of the colony.

 

Over time, these tunnels weaken the integrity of the wood, leading to potential structural damage. While the damage might not always be immediately visible, it can lead to long-term problems, including rot, mold, or even the need for costly repairs.

 

Once carpenter bees have established a nest, the scent left behind can attract other bees. This creates a cycle of continuous damage, especially if the wood remains untreated or unprotected.

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As an environmentally conscious pest control company, we are committed to protecting all native pollinators, including carpenter bees.

 

We do not want to kill these bees.

 

However, when their nesting activity causes damage to your home, we must take action to prevent further harm. This is where we draw the line and must use control measures to protect your property.

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A common solution that homeowners often turn to is the use of carpenter bee traps. These traps catch the bees and eventually kill them, which may seem like an easy fix. However, we are not big fans of this method.

 

While it helps to prevent the bees from damaging your home, it also results in their death.

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Instead of trapping and killing carpenter bees, we advocate for a more humane and positive approach. One of the best ways to prevent carpenter bees from nesting in your home is by providing them with an alternative.

 

Pollinator houses or bee barns are an excellent solution. Pollinator houses are specially designed structures that offer carpenter bees a safe and inviting space to build their nests, away from your home. These houses mimic the natural environments where carpenter bees typically nest, such as in dead wood or hollow stems. By installing these houses in your yard or garden, you’re encouraging carpenter bees to nest in a designated space, rather than your wooden deck or eaves. This helps reduce the risk of damage to your home while still supporting local pollinator populations.

 

If you are currently experiencing carpenter bees causing damage to your property, the first step to take back your home is to contact us!

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​​For more information about our services, reach out to us today!