Carpenter Bee Identification & Prevention

• Carpenter bees do not eat the wood that they create in their nesting areas. They excavate it and leave piles of wood shavings underneath the entrance.
• The female carpenter bee expertly creates her gallery by making a hole about 3/8th 1/2 inches in diameter. She then tunnels with the grain through the wood.
• Carpenter bees are a solitary species; each female carpenter bee creates her own nest, but several carpenter bees may choose the same piece of wood or area to nest in.
• Carpenter bees often choose to return to the same area year after year.
• They prefer to nest in softwoods that are unpainted, unstained, or weathered. Decks, porches, sheds, roof eaves, wooden shingles, wooden furniture, and wooden play structures are often nesting sites for carpenter bees.
• Carpenter bee tunnels can cause structural damage to pieces of wood; however, it is woodpeckers that can cause most of the damage to the wood. They peck at the hole the bees have created to feed on the eggs.
• Carpenter bee females have a stinger, and their venom is strong enough to cause an allergic reaction in a person. However, females are shy and rarely sting.
• Male carpenter bees do not have a stinger. They are responsible for guarding the nest. To protect the nest, they very aggressively fly around any perceived threat to drive them away.

Carpenter Bee Prevention Tips

• Paint, stain or treat any wooden structures on your property.
• Though carpenter bees can attack any wood, they prefer softwood; if possible, use hardwoods to create structures on your property.
• Routinely inspect wooden structures for holes and other signs of carpenter bee activity.

Action's Carpenter Bee Control Services

• Stinging Insect Control Program
• Residential Pest Control Plans
• Commercial Pest Control Services

Helpful Articles About Carpenter Bees

Are Carpenter Bees In Kentucky Dangerous?