Every homeowner dreads the moment when they hear the buzz of an unwanted houseguest on their property. Bee and wasp infestations can be problematic, and one of the most common insects that we deal with are Carpenter Bees.
What Does a Carpenter Bee Look Like?
Carpenter Bees have very similar visual traits to the Bumble Bee. They are large, around one-inch long. Their sports yellow and black patterns but also has a metallic shine to their body that makes them unique. This metallic coloring can have a dark blue, yellow, or purple tint to it.
Where Do They Like to Nest?
Carpenter Bees do not build nests or hives as other bees do. In fact, they live up to their name and make their home inside of wood found around a home or property. When nesting, the female bee seeks out soft pieces of wood to lay her eggs. Once they start nesting in deadwood or other plant-based material, they would expand pretty fast.
So, if you see these insects bees around your home or notice ½ inch diameter holes in the wood around your property, it may be time to get rid of old firewood, stumps on your property, or have your home inspected for rotting wood.
Are Carpenter Bees Bad?
Carpenter Bees do not do any harm unless provoked. This being said, carpenter bees can reproduce and multiply. They build nests very quickly, and if left unchecked on your property, they can cover a sizable area within a very short period of time. There are some 500 types of bees in the carpenter gene. All of them primarily nest in deadwood or hard plants. As a result, they can make a mess on your property. Their feces can also leave stains. The woody material from the nest can also leave a mess. But they might not be as bad.
What are Carpenter Bees Good For?
Like other bees, carpenter bees contribute to the well being of animal and plant survival. They help many plant species in pollination. As a result, many animals (even humans) rely on them for food supply.
Do They Sting Humans?
Typically, they would not sting unless provoked. However, they are very protective of their habitat. Carpenter Bees are a very aggressive insect. They will hover around anyone or anything that comes near their nest. Male Carpenter Bees do not have stingers, but females can deliver a powerful sting when provoked. It is important to note that Carpenter Bees do not lose their stingers when they sting, so they can sting an aggressor multiple times.
