Carpenter Bee

How do I identify a Carpenter Bee?
Color: Mostly black but some have yellow on the bodies. Similar in size to the bumble bee but with a shiny body. Size: Typically ½" – 1" in length. A buzzing noise is often heard when carpenter bees are boring into wood.

Have Carpenter Bees infested your home?
Carpenter bees bore tunnels into unfinished wood in tree stumps, fence posts, or even on homes or structures. You may see bees entering the wood and then hear a buzzing noise as they create their galleries which typically range from 4-6" long. These bees can be quite aggressive and hover or dart at humans as they get close to their nest.

Will Carpenter Bees bite?
Female carpenter bees will sting, but it is rare. Male carpenter bees will aggressively dart at humans when they come near their nesting site, however, they have no stinger. They can be a nuisance mainly due to their aggressiveness.

Will Carpenter Bees damage my home or structure?
Yes, carpenter bees bore into wood and can damage or compromise a structure.

Recommendations for control: To help deter carpenter bees keep all wood on the home or structure painted, stained or treated. The tunnels create by the bees will need to be filled to deter them from returning. The wood and tunnels should also be treated with an insecticide.

It is strongly recommended that you contact a pest management professional with any type of stinging insect problem. Treating for bees or removing nests requires a positive identification of the insect and an understanding of their habits as well as protective equipment and thorough training.