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What Are Carpenter Bees?

Carpenter bees (genus Xylocopa) are often mistaken for bumblebees because of their large size and buzzing behavior. However, a key difference is their smooth, shiny black abdomens—unlike the hairy abdomens of bumblebees. Female carpenter bees measure between 5/8 to 1 inch in length and can have a metallic blue or black sheen. Males are typically lighter in color, with golden or pale hair on the thorax, especially in species like the valley carpenter bee.

The Carpenter Bee Life Cycle

Female carpenter bees bore perfectly round entrance holes—about ½ inch in diameter—into untreated or unpainted wood to create their nesting galleries. These tunnels extend 6 to 10 inches and are divided into cells where each egg is laid alongside a pollen ball for nourishment.

Bees may reuse and expand old nesting tunnels, creating complex networks that can stretch up to 10 feet deep over time. After three months of development from egg to adult, new bees emerge in late summer, feed on pollen and nectar, and seek shelter in old tunnels through winter. The following spring, they re-emerge to mate and begin the nesting cycle again. Typically, there is one generation of carpenter bees per year.

Do Carpenter Bees Cause Damage?

Yes, carpenter bees can cause cosmetic and structural damage to wooden buildings. Although they don’t consume wood like termites, their nesting activity weakens timbers and can lead to unsightly holes and staining from debris and waste. They prefer softwoods like southern yellow pine, cedar, redwood, Douglas fir, and cypress, especially if the wood is bare, weathered, or unpainted. Most hardwoods are naturally resistant.

Their presence can be alarming due to their buzzing and aggressive hovering. However, male carpenter bees are harmless—they can’t sting. Female carpenter bees have stingers but usually only sting when handled or threatened.

Protect Your Property from Carpenter Bee Damage

If you notice carpenter bees hovering near wooden surfaces or see round holes appearing in exterior structures, it’s time to take action. Preventative treatments, sealing exposed wood, and professional pest control services can help protect your home from ongoing damage.

1. Persistent Buzzing Near Wood Surfaces

One of the first signs is an unusual buzzing sound coming from eaves, decks, or fences. This is not just any bee buzzing—it’s a low, constant drone caused by carpenter bees boring into wood. If you hear a humming near wooden trim or siding, it's time to investigate further.

2. Small Piles of Sawdust (Frass)

Carpenter bees don’t eat wood—they excavate it. As they drill into surfaces to form their tunnels, they push out fine sawdust-like shavings, known as frass. These small piles usually collect directly beneath the entry holes, often on porches, railings, or windowsills.

3. Perfectly Round Holes in Wood

Carpenter bees create smooth, round entry holes that are about ½ inch in diameter—roughly the size of a pencil eraser. These holes are typically found in soft, unpainted wood and serve as the entry point to their nesting tunnels. Multiple holes in one area suggest a growing infestation.

4. Hovering Bees Around Nesting Sites

Male carpenter bees, although harmless, are often seen hovering near entry holes in wood. They’re highly territorial and will patrol the area aggressively, especially during the mating season. If you notice large bees flying back and forth near your roofline or deck, it's a red flag.

5. Secondary Damage from Woodpeckers

If you’re seeing additional damage to wooden structures, such as pecking marks or larger holes, woodpeckers might be involved. These birds are drawn to carpenter bee nests to feed on the larvae inside, compounding the destruction caused by the bees themselves.

Act Quickly to Protect Your Property

Ignoring the signs of a carpenter bee infestation can lead to long-term structural damage and costly repairs. If you spot any of the above symptoms, contact a professional pest control service immediately to assess the situation and recommend effective carpenter bee removal solutions.

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