If you have a foam roof, this time of the year is perfect for maintenance. It is common for many home or business owners who have a foam roof to examine it by walking the perimeter and searching for any damage. Another common thing this time of year is the presence of carpenter bees.
You may be asking, what do carpenter bees have to do with my foam roof?
This time of the year we typically receive several calls about strange looking punctures within a foam roof. Upon review, these holes are typically caused by carpenter bees. We’re going to dive deeper into understanding these bees’ behavior, how they can cause damage to your roof, and what to do if you see them on your property to preserve the integrity of your roofing system.
What Are Carpenter Bees? 
Carpenter bees have a similar resemblance to bumblebees, but differ in their nesting habits. Unlike bumble bees who live in colonies, carpenter bees prefer to burrow into wood to create individual nests. They have a smooth, shiny abdomen and can often be seen hovering around.
How Carpenter Bees Affect A Foam Roof?
Carpenter bees are known for their ability to drill perfectly round holes into wood. Before you think about hiring them for your next home project, remember they drill these holes to create tunnels for their nests. They also frequently target foam roofs because the material is easy for them to work through to lay their larvae. Creating these small holes can lead to larger issues such as water infiltration, reduced insulation efficiency, and structural damage.
After the carpenter bee lays their larvae within your foam roof, there is another threat to your foam roof – birds. More specifically, woodpeckers will seek our carpenter bee larvae as an elegant snack. Carpenter bee larvae are said to be very noisy, which attracts the woodpeckers who will drill holes along the tunnels, feeding on the larvae as they go.
Identifying Carpenter Bee Damage
To help determine if carpenter bees are causing damage to your foam roof, you will want to look for the following signs:
- Small, Round Holes: Carpenter bees create circular holes about 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Sawdust Piles: As the bees burrow, they leave behind small piles of sawdust or foam particles.
- Bee Activity: Increased bee activity around your roof or wooden structures is a clear indicator.
Repairing The Damage
If you discover carpenter bee damage to your foam roof, it is crucial to address it in a timely manner. For a proper repair, you should clean the area by removing any debris or sawdust from the area. Using a high-quality foam roof sealant or caulk, you should then fill the holes created by the carpenter bees to prevent water penetration and restore the roof’s surface. After sealing the holes, reapplying a protective roof coating to ensure a uniform surface and to protect against future infestation.
If you are not comfortable completing the repair yourself, call your local foam roofing company! They will be able to properly identify the damage and complete necessary repairs to ensure the integrity of your roofing structure.
Preventing Future Damage
Carpenter bees can be a recurring issue because they typically will stay around the area they were born. Once a proper repair has been made on your foam roof, you can do the following to prevent future infestation and further damage.
- Apply insecticides specifically designed to deter carpenter bees around your roof and wooden structures.
- Place carpenter bee traps around your property to reduce their population. We have also seen paper lantern style pieces that resemble a wasp nest and deter carpenter bees.
- Paint or stain any exposed wood as carpenter bees are less likely to burrow into it.
Carpenter Bees Can Be A Nuisance
Carpenter bees can be a nuisance, but with proper maintenance and timely repairs, you can protect your foam roof from their destructive behavior. If you suspect carpenter bee damage or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your local roofing experts for a thorough assessment and reliable repair solutions.
Craven Construction is here for all of your foam roofing needs. Our team can handle anything from repairs and maintenance to a full foam roof installation. We are licensed and insured for your added peace of mind and can handle a job any shape and size. Call our office to schedule your routine foam roof maintenance today!