The greater Chicago area is made up of many different cities. This expansive area has some of the most diversely populated communities in the United States. Communities in this part of the country range from highly urbanized neighborhoods to family-friendly suburban districts. No matter where you choose to establish your home or business, local carpenter bees may visit you. Without pest control in the greater Chicago area, carpenter bees could soon make a mess of wood around your property.

What Are Carpenter Bees?

Carpenter bees look very similar to bumblebees; their average size ranges from ¼ to 1 inch long. Unlike fuzzy bumble bees with black and yellow stripes, carpenter bees usually are black with smooth and shiny abdomens and a patch of yellow on their thorax. Carpenter bees also live differently than bumble bees; they don't live in colonies, preferring a solitary life. Fertilized carpenter bee females bore perfectly round holes in wood to create galleries for laying eggs. The galleries they make are unique and can significantly damage the wood around properties over time. While not on the level of termites, carpenter bees can still cause significant damage, so you need a professional to help control carpenter bees on your property.

What Damages Can Carpenter Bees Cause?

The biggest problem with carpenter bees making a home within your home is the cosmetic and structural damage they inflict with their tunnel-making. Carpenter bees initially drill a perfectly round hole to access wood. They will drill a short distance before they make a ninety-degree turn and tunnel parallel to the surface of the wood. They will make cells (around 5 or 6) for their eggs and leave pollen in each cell before they seal it with pulp from the wood they vomit. Carpenter bees often return to the same galleries to lay eggs again; they sometimes even enlarge their existing homes. Eventually, they'll return to the galleries they've constructed to hibernate until the next generation of carpenter bees is ready. Carpenter bee galleries that get reused can expose wood to moisture that will slowly degrade the wood. 

Over time, carpenter bees can pose a serious structural threat to your property with their drilling. They may even attract other pests (like woodpeckers), which can damage buildings further as they peck away trying to get at carpenter bee babies inside. Property owners can help stop carpenter bees' damage by contacting the pest professionals at EcoGuard Pest Control. We have carpenter bee pest control solutions that can help remove carpenter bees from properties, ensuring your buildings are safe and sound.

What Are Carpenter Bees Attracted To?

Carpenter bees in the greater Chicago area have some preferences regarding the wood they choose for their galleries. Certain types of wood are more desirable than others.

Woods that carpenter bees are attracted to include:

  • Softwoods like pine and cedar
  • Worn wood
  • Natural wood without finish or paint

While property owners can apply paint, stains, or oils to wood to help deter carpenter bees, it doesn't always stop them, and these types of treatments will be ineffective if carpenter bees are already infesting the wood you attempt to treat. To get rid of carpenter bees in the greater Chicago area, it is always best to enlist help from an experienced home pest control professional like EcoGuard Pest Control.

How Do I Get Rid Of Carpenter Bees?

The best way to get rid of carpenter bees in the greater Chicago area is with help from EcoGuard Pest Control. We are a local, family-owned and operated company with over ten years of experience in the pest control industry. Our company has a well-earned reputation for going above and beyond to satisfy our customers. We offer low-risk pest solutions to keep our customers safe while providing superior customer care. Controlling bees is challenging, so you need an experienced company to complete jobs efficiently and on schedule. To prevent carpenter bees from damaging your home, call in the professionals at EcoGuard Pest Control today; we can get right to work.