The Big Fuzzy Bumble Bee- What are they? Do they Hurt? How to Kill them.
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(Baltimore, MD) Every spring my home is flooded with big, bumbling, furry, clumsy bees. It literally looks like the early stages of some biblical catastrophe.
When I first saw them, I didn't know what to do. They'd swarm, swoop, dive, and worst of all- they were living behind my gutters and in my deck digging holes in the wood!
I immediately turned to social media where, just as expected, I received a host of conflicting information in which each respondent was more sure than the previous one. So, I rolled up my sleeves, put on my reading glasses and after intense research I compiled the information below and I hope this helps.
Grab your tennis rackets and a can of WD-40, because we're in for a wild safari!
1. What are they?
They are commonly known as wood bees, carpenter bees, or bumble bees. They nest in wood and make perfectly round holes the size of your pinky--- but don't stick your finger there. We always see the Males flying and they can't sting, but the females? They do and the nest is where you will find them.
2. Do they sting?
Well, , , technically, yes. Male Carpenter Bees cannot't sting and do not even have stingers. They are simply A**es that dive bomb you with the promise of bouncing off your head and tormenting small children. Females can sting, and they will if you get too close to the nest or try to handle them- but luckily they are not as aggressive as males and the females are usually handling more important business- like raising their larvae.
3. What are the holes?
It's their home! They dig and chomp at the wood making the perfect little place to lay eggs, grow the little ones, and hide from tennis rackets. According to my research, this is the only place to actually ward them off. A chemical sprayed in the hole and sealing it off appears to be the only true way to prevent carpenter bees from coming back next year.
4. Can the holes damage my home?
Not on a catastrophic level. The worst infestations rarely cause enough damage to require replacement. The bees are territorial towards other bees so nests are usually spaced out. They will reuse old holes if vacant.
5. Are they pollinators?
Yes. They are considered a valuable part of the ecosystem and do cross pollinate crops, flowers, and trees. As humans, we rely heavily on bees for this important task. Although the Honeybee is the captain, if carpenter bees are in a safe location, you may want to keep this in mind.
6. How are they immune from regular bee spray?
I could not find a single reason but for some reason most bee sprays do not effect carpenter bees.
7. What are other ways to kill them?
Spray a petroleum based solvent in the hole and seal it shut. Try a homemade bee trap. Tennis racket. Citrus spray product appear to repel them, so does loud noises and music (apparently). Block the holes after any remedy.
8. How do you prevent Carpenter Bees?
Block the holes. Keep wood painted. Spray citrus based producs in areas prone to nesting.
9. If they don't really bother me, what should I do?
Plant a flower garden and enjoy!
This information is based on a few weeks of research but is not written by an expert:) Information is for conversation purposes only. If you are allergic to bees ignore all of this information and simply run in the opposite direction of any bee. Have a great spring!
