Quick Carpenter Bee ID Summary
Carpenter bees are large, black-and-yellow bees that look like bumblebees. To tell the difference, Carpenter Bees have a smooth, shiny black abdomen (Bumblebees are fuzzy all over). In Central Virginia, you’ll often spot them hovering around decks, porches, eaves, and wooden trim, and you may see perfectly round ½-inch holes in bare or weathered wood with sawdust-like shavings underneath. Males may act aggressive (hovering) but can’t sting; females can sting but usually only do so if handled or the nest is disturbed.
Common characteristics
- Body Size: 0.5″ to 1″ or 12-25 millimeters
- Common Characteristics: Black with shiny abdomens (hairless). Makes are orange and black while females are completely black
- Antennae: Yes
- Number of Legs: 6
- Wings: Two pairs of wings. The front wings are larger than the hind wings
- Habitat: Found in a range of ecosystems. But, love to nest in unpainted and weathered wood
Introduction to Carpenter Bees
Carpenter Bees are found all over Central, VA. In fact, they are found all over the United States. As the largest native bees in the United States, they are often mistaken for bumblebees due to a similar size and appearance. However, unlike bumblebees, carpenter bees do not live in hives.
They are solitary insects that build nests by boring holes in wood. These bees do not pose a direct threat to you, your family, or pets. But, they can cause a lot of damage to the wooded structures around your property. On this page, we will help you understand their behavior, habitat, and the threats they post. This way you can manage their population and protect your home from their presence.
Carpenter Bee Behavior & Habitat
Carpenter Bees get their name because they like to bore into wood.As mentioned in the introduction, Carpenter Bees are solitary bees. During the winter months, they live in old nests and come out during spring to mate. After mating, the bees will search for a place to build a nest.
Targeting untreated, unpainted, and weathered wood. The male will hover nearby as the female begins to bore a hole and tunnel into the wood. You will usually find the holes in eaves, decks, and fences. The holes are perfectly round. This makes them easily identifiable as Carpenter Bee Nests. In the tunnels (called galleries), the female will lay eggs and store food.
The bees are not aggressive. However, males display intimidating behavior if the nest is threatened. But, they lack stingers and are harmless. Females do have stingers, but won’t attack unless provoked. The largest threat Carpenter Bees pose is to your property.
Carpenter Bee Threats and Dangers
As mentioned earlier, Carpenter Bees are not aggressive. If you’re stung by a female and allergic to bee stings. You should seek medical attention.
The biggest danger they pose is to wooden structures around your home. Carpenter Bee removal can cost from $75 – $2,000 depending on how bad the infestation is. Each year Carpenter Bees cost homeowners millions of dollars in repairs. In fact, a single Carpenter Bee can tunnel a hole 10 inches deep.
Although solitary, multiple bees can infest an area. This results in many galleries that expand over time. The tunneling can weaken structures, leading to costly repairs. Further, having Carpenter Bees attracts woodpeckers, and the birds further damage wood to reach the larvae inside. This damage makes Carpenter Bees a concern for homeowners all over Virginia.
Here is a list of where Carpenter Bees can damage your home:
– Windowsills
– Wooden Siding
– Decks
– Fences
– Outdoor Furniture
– Railings
– Fascia
– Eaves
– Rafters
If you see holes bored in any of these places, there could be more. In this situation, it’s best to consult a pest control professional. One that has experience with stinging insect removal.
Need Help With Carpenter Bees?
Contact GreenShield Home & Pest Solutions for a free, same-day pest inspection.