About
Carpenter bees look like typical bumblebees but often lack yellow stripes. They are solitary bees.
- Habits
Unlike bumblebees, carpenter bees are solitary insects. Carpenter bees do not feed on wood at any time during their life cycle. Female carpenter bees will chew a tunnel into a piece of wood to build a nest gallery. The bits of wood she chews and deposits outside the nest are called frass. The male carpenter bee guards the outside of the nest. He does not have a stinger, but his constant buzzing causes concern for some.
- Threats
Carpenter bees do not pose a public health threat, but they can damage wood through their nest building.
- Prevention
Carpenter bees prefer bare wood, so painting and staining wood can sometimes deter them. However, they will sometimes attack stained or painted wood, so contact a pest control professional for assistance.
- Additional Information
There’s no additional information.
- Colors
Blue-black, green or purple metallic sheen on abdomen
- Legs
6
- Size
1″
- Shape
Oval: Bee Shape
- Antennae
Yes