Wood-Destroying Insects in Spring Lake and Monmouth County, NJ

Carpenter bees are large, shiny black bees that look similar to bumblebees but have a hairless, shiny abdomen. While the males are harmless (they cannot sting), the females drill perfectly round holes into wood to create nesting tunnels.

Why They're So Difficult to Control A single female can drill multiple holes and lay several eggs in each tunnel during the season. These holes are often drilled under siding, in decks, fascia boards, and eaves. The larvae develop inside the wood, and new adults emerge the following year. Once carpenter bees become established, they are extraordinarily tough to eliminate because new generations keep returning to the same areas year after year.

Our Approach: We use specialized dust treatments applied deep into the active holes and under siding where possible. While this method is very effective, it can take several seasons of consistent treatment to fully gain control of a heavy infestation. Early professional treatment is highly recommended before the problem spreads.

Carpenter ants are one of the largest ant species in our area. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood - they tunnel through it to create nesting galleries. They prefer moist, damaged, or decaying wood, but they will also move into sound wood if it's convenient.

Key Facts:

• They are highly organized and can travel long distances between their nest and food sources.
• The entire colony will eventually collapse once the queen is eliminated.
• Seeing large numbers of big black ants indoors (especially at night) is often a sign of a nearby nest.

• Keep wood piles, mulch, and debris well away from the foundation
• Fix moisture issues (leaking gutters, poor grading, etc.)
• Trim tree branches and shrubs that touch your home

Subterranean termites are the most destructive wood-destroying insects in the Northeast. They live underground and build mud tubes to travel from the soil to the wood in your home.

Key Facts:

• They are free-roaming foragers that can have foraging territories as large as ½ an acre or more.
• There can be up to 12 active colonies per acre, meaning multiple colonies may be attacking your home at the same time.
• They consume wood 24/7 from the inside out, often doing significant structural damage before they are even discovered.
• They require moisture to survive, which is why they are so common near foundations, crawl spaces, and damp areas.

• Reduce moisture around your home's foundation
• Keep wood piles, mulch, and landscaping at least 18-24 inches away from the structure
• Address any wood-to-ground contact (decks, steps, lattice, etc.)