Carpenter bees rarely sting but instead bore holes into wood to create a tunnel. While they may resemble bumblebees, carpenter bees have very distinctive activity and behavior. They are easily identified by their shiny black body and helicopter flight pattern.While a single carpenter bee causes little damage, many generations and many bees can expand the tunnels and may cause significant structural damage. They can stain the walls or anything which is directly below the openings.
Basic Facts about Carpenter Bees
Like bumblebees, carpenter bees are black with some yellow. They are generally slightly larger than bumblebees around 1/2 to 1 inch long.
Carpenter bees actually bore holes in wood to create a tunnel in which to raise their young. Entry holes are usually located in well-lit and sheltered areas, such as headers, roof eaves, porch ceilings, fascia boards, decks, doors, and window sills. Soft wood, such as California redwood, cedar, white pine, and poplar, are preferred for nest building.
The males can’t sting. The females will sting if molested. Adults spend their winter in galleries – those holes in your wood – emerging in the spring to mate. The female prepares a nest by excavating a new site or more frequently by cleaning out and expanding an existing tunnel.
Painting bare wood can deter some carpenter bees.
Suburban Exterminating can get rid of your carpenter bees. Call, text or email for a free estimate (631) 864-6900 | (516) 864-6900
