If you're trying to identify the cause of damage in your home caused by an insect, it's crucial to know the difference between carpenter bees and termites. While they may both cause significant damage, they look very different. Carpenter bees are visually distinct from termites, so it's usually not difficult to tell them apart.

Identifying carpenter bees and their damage is hard to tell from termite damage since they both love wood and drilling holes. While online bee traps are efficient for trapping bees, how to get rid of termites is a different story. Termites can cause significant damage to wooden supports and structures if neglected and left untreated.

Let’s keep reading to discover the difference between these insects and the damage they cause.

Identifying Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are a common insect that can cause damage to wood and are common throughout the United States. They typically make their homes inside soft, old trees, but they can also make themselves at home inside the wood in your house if they have access. 

If you suspect that you have carpenter bee damage, there are a few telltale signs to look out for. You may notice holes about one inch deep, with sawdust around them. Additionally, when identifying carpenter bees, there may be stains on the outer edge of the holes.

Why Do Carpenter Bees Love Wood?

Carpenter bees have a unique way of nesting. Unlike termites that consume wood, carpenter bees tunnel through the wood to create different nesting chambers. These tunnels are four to six inches with up to eight simultaneously drilled. The queen lays an egg in each chamber. If left undisturbed for many years, a carpenter bee colony can create a network of tunnels that could be several feet long.

How Much Damage Do Carpenter Bees Cause?

A single carpenter bee won't cause any damage to your property. However, a developed nest with many bees coming and going can be a problem. Carpenter bees tend to avoid treated wood, so if your home has treated wood, they may be found in other areas of your yard. 

If a carpenter bee colony takes over a section of your home, you may notice certain portions weakening or sagging due to the many holes that compromise the integrity of the wood. Carpenter bee traps for sale at BeesNThings solves this problem.

Identifying Termite Damage

Termites and carpenter bees have different nesting behaviors. Once termites establish their colony, they typically stay inside. On the other hand, carpenter bees are more noticeable because you can see them coming and going from one access point. If you suspect a termite infestation, you may come across the damage they have caused or see a swarm of them being disturbed.

When identifying an infestation, termites and carpenter bees leave different types of damage. Termites create small holes when working their way into the wood of your home. In general, the layers get chewed away by the termites. 

It may look like something scratching or scraping away at the infested area. Carpenter bees, on the other hand, simply make their holes. You'll notice more damage with termites than with carpenter bees. If you want to know how to get rid of carpenter bees, buy your online bee traps at BeesNThings.

Why Are Termites So Destructive?

Have you ever wondered why termites are so attracted to your home? Well, these tiny creatures are social insects that thrive in large colonies. They work tirelessly to keep each other fed and comfortable, and your home provides the perfect environment for them to do so. 

A single termite colony can have up to 4,800 members! When they start feeding on the wood in your home, the damage can quickly become extensive. A termite colony contains different types of termites, including workers, soldiers, and reproducing termites. 

The king and queen termites are responsible for starting the colony and reproducing. However, the reproductive termites are responsible for causing termite problems in your home. These termites are the ones that decided your home was the perfect place to settle in and start a new colony.

Solutions for Termite or Carpenter Bee Damage

The good news is that carpenter bees are generally not aggressive insects. While the queen bee may sting, she will only do so if she feels threatened. The worker bees may aggressively fly towards you but are also unlikely to sting. If you discover carpenter bees in your yard, it's best to wait until evening to spray them with an insecticide designed for carpenter bees. 

After spraying, it's critical to repair any damaged wood to prevent the bees from reusing it in the future, helping to keep your yard free of carpenter bees and prevent further damage to your property. Dealing with termite damage usually requires the assistance of a professional. 

It's crucial to ensure that all the termites get targeted to prevent them from spreading to other areas of your home. Since there are different types of termites, it's crucial to identify the specific type of termite infesting your home to determine the appropriate product to use. 

These products are usually applied directly to the affected wood. Once the termites get eliminated, you should fill any holes and replace any damaged wood to prevent further damage. It's always best to consult with professionals, ensuring that the termite infestation is gone and your home is safe from future infestations.

For more information about carpenter bees vs termites and how to get rid of carpenter bees with the best traps, call or contact BeesNThing.