Carpenter Bees

What do carpenter bees look like?

Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees due to their size and furry appearance. But there’s a key difference: the lower half of a carpenter bee is hairless, black, and shiny, while bumblebees are covered in hairs. Typically, carpenter bees grow between ¾ and 1 inch long, making them one of the larger bee species.

Do carpenter bees sting?

Only female carpenter bees can sting, but don’t worry—the males can’t sting. Male carpenter bees might hover around and appear aggressive, but they’re all show and no sting. Females, on the other hand, are pretty docile and rarely pose a threat. The biggest issue with carpenter bees is that they might surprise you by crawling on your clothes—imagine pulling on a shirt and finding a female bee inside! But overall, their behavior is far from dangerous.

The good news is that carpenter bees are solitary creatures. They don’t swarm, and they don’t release a nest-protecting pheromone like other bees. If you stay calm around them, they won’t harm you.

How can I tell if I have carpenter bees?

Carpenter bees are most active during the day, so you'll likely see them buzzing around your property. Males often hover in the air near their nests, while females can be seen crawling on flowers. If you don’t spot them directly, keep an eye out for these signs:

• Tunnels in wood: Female carpenter bees create perfectly round holes (about ½ inches in diameter) in wooden structures. These holes appear on the underside of the wood.
• Multiple holes: Sometimes, female bees will continue tunneling, leaving behind a series of holes in railings and other wooden structures.
• Sounds: You might hear the crunching sound of females digging their tunnels or the buzzing of bees hidden in wood.
• Sawdust: Carpenter bees leave behind sawdust below their nesting holes as they carve into the wood.

What are the risks of a carpenter bee infestation?

Despite their benefits in pollination, carpenter bees can cause problems when they decide to make your home their own. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Wood damage: While carpenter bee tunnels start small, they get bigger every year. Over time, the damage can add up and weaken your structure.
• Accidental stings: Though not aggressive, carpenter bees can still sting if disturbed, especially as the number of nests increases.
• Multiple nests: While carpenter bees are solitary, they tend to nest in the same area, so you’re unlikely to have just one bee buzzing about.
• Woodpecker damage: Woodpeckers love to feast on carpenter bee larvae, which can worsen the damage as they peck at the wood.

Early detection is key to preventing further issues.

How do I find carpenter bee nests?

Finding carpenter bee nests is usually straightforward, but you must look carefully. Since females often tunnel upwards, start by checking common areas where they like to nest:

• Deck railings
• Deck boards
• Wooden stair steps
• Wood siding
• Window sills
• Window and door frames
• Shed eaves
• Fences

Look for round holes, especially in rotting, unstained, or unpainted wood, as these are prime targets for carpenter bees.

How do I get rid of carpenter bees?

If you find a carpenter bee nest, you might be tempted to treat it yourself, but we don’t recommend it. Here’s why:

• The female bees create 90-degree angles in their tunnels, which can prevent control products from reaching the nest.
• Misapplying treatments may cause more damage.
• Misapplication can allow carpenter bees to keep returning, using the same tunnels year after year.

The best way to handle a carpenter bee infestation is to contact Four Seasons Pest Control. Our locally owned and operated pest control company will assess the situation and apply the right treatments.

How do I prevent carpenter bee damage?

Prevention is all about removing what attracts carpenter bees in the first place. Here’s how you can help keep them away:

• Paint the wood: Carpenter bees prefer unpainted wood, so give your wooden surfaces a fresh coat of paint.
• Replace decaying wood: Carpenter bees love softer, rotting wood, so replace any old, damaged wood.
• Use pressure-treated wood: This type of wood is more resistant to pest infestations, including carpenter bees.
• Seal cracks and holes: Prevent carpenter bees from nesting in cracks and crevices by sealing up any openings.
• Partner with an exterminator: Stay ahead of pest infestations with professional pest control from Four Seasons!