Contending with Carpenter Bees in Glastonbury, CT

Challenge

Every now and then we will come across a home that has sustained damage from carpenter bees. The common eastern carpenter bee closely resembles the bumblebee, except they have blacker, reflective abdomens without any yellow fuzz. Both however, are pollinators and are vital to the eco-system.

Female carpenter bee's are known for burrowing into the wood of eaves, porches and overhanging roofs. Raw, unpainted wood is highly attractive to these little woodworkers. Unlike termites, they do not actually eat the wood. You'll know if you have a nest, because there will be a pile of discarded sawdust below. Every year, they will return to their old nests, or drill new ones if their prior holes are occupied. Woodpeckers will cause further damage, in their search for carpenter bee larvae. Water can also get in through the holes and create issues. This Glastonbury, CT home was exhibiting exterior signs of wood damage. When we removed the fascia boards, we found some nasty holes which were causing the entire trim structure to crack. The preexisting boards were unventilated, so air was not circulating through the roof or attic. 

Solution

Klaus Larsen used this opportunity to install new Cobra FasciaFlow vents. Fascia vents are your attics first line of defense, so they are crucial. The intake draws in cool air for the ridge vents to exhaust the moist, warmer air. They don't just prevent rot on the exterior of the house, but they deter the wood of your attic from rotting. The homeowner wanted to stop ice from damming in the winter, so we added ice paneling around the perimeter. Additionally, we installed Owens Corning True Definition shingles, a solar fan, and remote operated Velux skylight blinds. The aluminum ice panels, along with the improved ventilation provides a well integrated system of prevention. We also re-shingled the garden shed and painted the exterior of the home to match the trim. All composite trim materials help to repel pests, and the outdated wood will no longer invite bees. Living with nature doesn't have to be a constant battle, if you give your home the fresh start and protection it needs.