Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumble bees, as they are similar in size and color, and are frequently seen in the spring hovering around the eaves of a house or under decks or porch rails.

 

Identification

  • ½-1″ long

  • Robust appearance

  • Thorax is fuzzy and yellow, abdomen is a shiny black color

  • Males have a white patch on the face

Environment

  • Carpenter bees make nests by tunneling into wood, usually with only one entry hole but several tunnels within

  • Entry holes are usually perfectly circular, about 16mm in length (.63 inches)

  • Do not eat wood; it’s discarded or re-used to build partitions within tunnels (leaving sawdust on surfaces beneath the nest)

  • Feed on plant nectar

Threats

  • Homes with wooden decks, eaves, or other areas of exposed wood are likely targets for carpenter bee damage

  • Males do not have stingers but can be aggressive to other bees, animals, or people near the nest

  • Females can sting but rarely do unless agitated

Treatment

  • Galleries can be treated with an insecticidal dust

  • Galleries should be sealed in the fall (when they are no longer active)

  • Untreated wood should be painted or sealed to discourage nesting behaviors

  • Bees are protected as pollinators, so treatment is only enacted when the bees are deemed a nuisance

LOCATIONS

We have service centers throughout Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

HOURS

Service Centers: M-F 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Customer Care:  M-F 6:30AM - 5:30PM

CONTACT US

CALL (888) 466-7849

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