This insect is the worst home-destroying pest in the Peach State, study says. What is it?

Termites, spiders, ants and cockroaches.

Now that I’ve got your attention and have probably given you the creepy crawlies, let’s talk about pests.

Some are just ugly, some are gross and others can cause major damage in your Georgia home.

What’s the worst pest in the Peach State?

They buzz, they’re yellow and black, they’re carpenter bees.

According to a 2023 study by Groundworks, carpenter bees cause the most damage to Georgia homes.

The little buzzing bees are also the worst home-destroying pest in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.

What kind of damage can they cause?

“Carpenter bees bore holes into the wood of your home. Their damage won’t be as severe as a termite infestation. However, there could be secondary consequences,” according to Groundworks.

Secondary damage includes mold growth from rainwater getting in the holes.

The damage done by carpenter bees attract other predators such as woodpeckers, which can also greatly damage your home. “Woodpeckers tend to feed in one spot for long periods of time and can cause significant damage to homes when foraging for carpenter bee larvae,” according to the UGA Cooperative Extension.

How to tell if you have a carpenter bee hive

Carpenter bees are large bees with a shiny black abdomen. Male carpenter bees don’t sting. On rare occasions, females will sting.

According to Groundworks, these pests make holes in wood, which can cause damage to the outside of your home or other property. They can even weaken the structure of your home.

Look for any holes or wood damage. You may also find a nest nearby, but do not attempt to remove the nest on your own.

How to protect your home

According to Walter Reeves, The Georgia Gardener, there are three methods for preventative care against carpenter bees:

1. Aerosol insecticide sprays aimed directly at the adult bee; (be careful not to get it on your skin)
2. residual applications of insecticides to the wood surface being attacked; and
3. preventive applications of oil-based or latex paint to wood surfaces.

Of course, when all else fails, call a pest control expert, especially if you find damage to your home.

This story was originally published November 7, 2023 at 11:31 AM.

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.