What Are Carpenter Bees?

Solitary by nature, carpenter bees get their name from their habit of boring holes into wood to create their nests. They are a large species of bee, with adults growing between 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long. Carpenter bees look very similar to bumblebees, except their abdomens are black, shiny, and hairless. Carpenter bees are mainly black, though males may have white or yellow faces. Female carpenter bees have a stinger while males do not.

Carpenter Bee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are carpenter bees dangerous?

Carpenter bees are destructive pests. Female carpenter bees create their solitary nests by boring holes into wood. Though carpenter bees nest by themselves, they often pick the same area or even the same piece of wood, tunneling deeper each time. Over time, this leads to significant damage to the wooden structure they are nesting in.
 
Carpenter bee nests also attract woodpeckers because one of their favorite foods is the larvae of carpenter bees. They peck around the edge of a nest opening to feed on the larvae, damaging the wood even further. Care should also be taken around carpenter bees because they are stinging insects. A sting from a female is not only painful but could trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

Why do I have a carpenter bee problem?

Carpenter bees are attracted to areas that offer access to suitable nesting locations and are close to food sources (pollen and nectar). Properties with ample amounts of flowering vegetation are therefore attractive to carpenter bees. Wooden structures, trees, and the wood exterior of homes are common nesting sites for carpenter bees.

Where will I find carpenter bees?

Female carpenter bees build their nests in pieces of wood and prefer unpainted, weathered wood. They usually pick softwoods like cedar and pine. Familiar places to find a carpenter bee nest include fences, decks, wooden play structures, outdoor furniture, wood shingles, and roof eaves. Carpenter bees are active during the day, buzzing around their nest entrances or flowering vegetation as they forage for food.

How do I get rid of carpenter bees?

Locally owned and family-operated, All-Safe Pest & Termite is the best choice to get rid of carpenter bees from your home or business. We offer fast response times and peace of mind knowing that your pest problems will be solved, and they won’t return. Our experienced pest professionals provide top-quality pest control services using the latest and most effective products to eliminate carpenter bees from Dallas properties. Discover why your neighbors choose All-Safe Pest & Termite for their pest control needs. Give us a call today!

How can I prevent carpenter bees in the future?

Prevent problems with carpenter bees by partnering with All-Safe Pest & Termite, and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Repair holes in your exterior walls, wood trim, and wood shingles.
• Place metal flashing on the end of deck boards.
• Varnish, stain or paint any wood that is on your home or used to build wooden structures on your property.
• If possible, use hardwoods instead of softwoods to build wooden structures on your property.
• Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and other excess wood from your property.