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Various types of bees and wasps present themselves as problems around structures. Generally, they live in colonies. The threat of being stung makes them undesirable for the homeowner. This threat usually outweighs the beneficial aspects of pollination or insect control that they provide. Most will only sting is defense of their nest.
Colonies are made underground in mulch or piles of debris. They are black and yellow and most easily identified by their large size (3/4 inch or more) and hairy abdomen. In fact, the hairy abdomen makes them great pollinators. They are not aggressive unless their nest is threatened. A nest may be composed of 200 or more bees.
Carpenter Bees bore 1/2 inch holes in timbers and siding in order to make a nest. Eggs are laid in the nest and pollen is placed in the hole as a food supply. These holes can weaken structural wood. They are unsightly and leave piles of sawdust which will stain. Carpenter Bees prefer good, soft wood that has not been painted. A single entry hole may be used by several bees, with tunnels branching out as far as 10 feet. They are up to 1-1/12 inches long and look like bumble bees, but are metallic black-blue with green or purplish highlights and yellow or orange hairs. Onely the female can sting but rarely does so. They help pollinate various plants and are beneficial in that respect.
Read more about the following types of bees & wasps
by visiting www.PestControlbook.com:
- Cicada Killer
- Honey Bee
- Paper Wasp
- Yellow Jacket
For more information go to www.PestControlbook.com to download
your FREE copy of the complete book, "Secrets to a Pest Free Home " (a $6.95 value) |
