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Although carpenter bees are considered very important for the pollination of trees and flowers, they can be a real nuisance in and around your home. Carpenter bees are generally harmless to humans but can cause significant carpenter bee damage to structural wood elements. Over time, their tunneling can weaken wood surfaces, potentially leading to costly repairs if not addressed.
Hiring a bee control professional to treat your home is the best way to get rid of carpenter bees as DIY solutions are highly ineffective. Schedule a FREE inspection online or give Ehrlich a call at 800-837-5520 to speak with a pest expert live.
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Characteristics
Carpenter bees can be recognized by their large, sturdy bodies, often resembling bumblebees but with a shiny, smooth black abdomen. Unlike honey bees, carpenter bees do not live in hives. Instead, they burrow into wood to build nests, which can lead to structural damage.
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Color: Most carpenter bees are black with yellow markings, though some can appear entirely black.
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Size: They range from 3/4 inch to 1 inch in length, making them one of the larger bee species.
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Stingers: Only female carpenter bees have stingers but rarely sting unless provoked.
Identification
These bees are often found around wooden structures like decks, eaves, and fences. If you see large, black-and-yellow bees hovering near wood, it's likely you have carpenter bees.
Habitat
Carpenter bees prefer to nest in untreated or weathered wood. Common nesting sites are generally on the exterior and include fascia boards, eaves, window trim, deck posts, and rails, as well as wooden outdoor furniture. They chew perfectly round holes into the wood, creating tunnels where they lay their eggs. Over time, these bee nests can expand, leading to significant carpenter bee damage to your property.
Carpenter bees in America
Carpenter bees are common throughout the United States, especially in warm, temperate regions. They’re most active in spring and early summer, when they begin to burrow into wood to create nests. In some areas, you may also see signs of woodpeckers tapping into wooden structures in search of carpenter bee larvae, which can further damage your property.
Carpenter bees' behaviors, threats, and dangers
Carpenter bees are not aggressive and typically avoid contact with humans. This is due to the fact that Carpenter bees are not a social insect and do not live in colonies or hives like the Honeybee or Bumblebee. Male carpenter bees can be very territorial and are known to fly erratically around humans to protect their nests. They emit a sound similar to bumble bees.
However, the biggest problem is the damage they cause to wood, which can be extensive over time. Their tunneling weakens wooden structures, especially when nests are used repeatedly over many years. The holes created by carpenter bees can also be attractive to other pests, such as ants or spiders.
While carpenter bees do not pose a direct threat to humans, their presence can lead to costly repairs.
Are carpenter bees hard to get rid of?
Carpenter bees can be challenging to get rid of because they tend to return to the same nesting sites year after year. While insecticides and professional pest control services can help, simply filling the holes often doesn’t solve the problem, as bees can burrow again or move to a nearby area
You can take preventive measures to deter carpenter bee activity at your home by:
- Ongoing maintenance, including painting or varnishing exposed wood surfaces.
- Removing weathered or decayed wood exposed on the exterior of the building.
- Using pressure-treated wood in exterior areas of the structure consistently exposed to possible moisture.
- Capping exposed wood with vinyl or aluminum.
Some homeowners may try DIY solutions, but professional exterminators are usually necessary to fully eliminate the problem.
Get rid of carpenter bees!
Ehrlich can do away with your carpenter bee problem. Contact us here.
How many carpenter bees do there need to be for it to be an infestation?
Even a single carpenter bee can cause damage to wood, but a full infestation usually involves multiple burrows spread across wooden structures. If you notice several bees hovering around your deck or fence or find multiple holes, it’s a clear sign that the carpenter bees have an established population. Carpenter bee infestations can lead to extensive damage if left untreated.
Need help with carpenter bees?
If you need help dealing with carpenter bees, it's best to contact a professional pest control service. Our experts can inspect your property, assess the damage, and implement effective treatment solutions to remove the bees and prevent future infestations.
FAQs
Do carpenter bees sting?
Unlike some types of wasps and hornets, Carpenter bees are solitary bees, so they do not live in colonies and will rarely sting humans. A sting would likely only result if a person was handling and/or harassing a Carpenter bee female. They will not seek out people to sting just by being near the Carpenter bee. If you believe you or a family member is allergic to bee stings, exercise extreme caution around carpenter bees.
Do carpenter bees eat wood?
Carpenter bees do not eat wood. They excavate the wood to create chambers from where they can rear their offspring.
How do carpenter bees create holes in wood?
Female carpenter bees will chew with their powerful mandibles (jaws) to excavate a circular hole in the wood typically half an inch wide or the diameter of an adult pinky finger. After initially boring the hole, the carpenter bee hole will turn at a right angle with the grain of the wood. The galleries the bees create can grow to 10 ft in length when drilled by multiple bees.
What do you do if you see carpenter bees?
If you spot carpenter bees, inspect the area for any round holes or signs of damage in wooden structures. It is not recommended that you attempt to treat the area with insecticides. It is always best to contact a pest control professional to safely eliminate the bees and protect your property from further damage.
Should I get rid of carpenter bees?
Yes, it's recommended to get rid of carpenter bees if they are nesting in your wooden structures. Their tunneling can cause significant damage over time, and addressing the issue early can prevent costly repairs.
Why do carpenter bees stare at you?
Male carpenter bees are territorial and may appear to "stare" or hover near you, but they do not have stingers and are harmless. Their behavior is typically a way of defending their territory, but they pose no real threat.
Should you swat carpenter bees?
You should never swat at a carpenter bee or any other bee. Instead of trying to swat them, slowly walk away from the area calmly. You are not a threat to the Carpenter bee and they will continue on about their bee business. It is recommended that if you have Carpenter bee activity around your property to call a pest control expert to evaluate the infestation and potential damage, manage the infestation and prevent further damage safely.
About Ehrlich Pest Control
Ehrlich technicians are skilled, experienced professionals – they are state-certified, licensed applicators and are required to participate in regular training programs, to maintain their expertise. They understand the habits of each species and use that knowledge when developing a control program for your home. They also have respect for you, your home, your family and your time.
At Ehrlich Pest Control, we pride ourselves on fast, responsive service every day. We are always available 24 hours a day for any emergency pest concerns that may develop and all appointments are scheduled at times that are convenient for you, our customer.
If you would like further advice or to arrange a visit by an Ehrlich technician, contact us online or call us free at 800-837-5520.