Maintenance Guides / Pest & Wildlife

Inspect for carpenter ants and bees

Difficulty: easyTime: 30 mins

Why it matters

Carpenter ants tunnel through wood causing structural damage. Bees nesting in walls create hazards.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Walk around the exterior of your home, checking eaves and soffits for small holes.

  • 2

    Look for fine, sawdust-like frass beneath holes, indicating carpenter ant activity.

  • 3

    Inspect wooden railings, decks, and posts for bore holes or soft wood.

  • 4

    In spring/summer, listen near walls at dusk for rustling sounds from carpenter ant galleries.

  • 5

    Check foundation vents and wall cavities for honeybee activity or hive structures.

  • 6

    If you see multiple bore holes, contact a licensed pest control professional.

  • 7

    If you suspect a bee nest, contact a local beekeeper or humane removal service.