Carpenter Bees
Xylocopa species

Color:  blue-black, green or purple metallic sheen on abdomen
Legs:  6
Shape:  oval
Size:  1”
Antennae:  yes
Flight:  yes

Often, you will find these insects in the late-spring or early summer hovering outside your home, searching for a mate and a favorable site to construct a nest.

Habitat

The Carpenter bee spends the winter as an adult in wood within abandoned nest tunnels. They emerge in the spring, and after mating, the female bee excavates tunnels in wood to lay her eggs. The entrance holes and tunnels are perfectly round and about the diameter of your finger. Female Carpenter bees may excavate new tunnels for egg laying or enlarge old holes.

Health Risks

Male Carpenter bees are aggressive, but are harmless since they lack stingers. The female Carpenter bee, however, can inflict a painful sting. After a sting, the affected area will become red, swollen, and painful. People allergic to insect stings can have a more severe reaction and should seek medical attention.   If allergic, knowing how to control carpenter bees is a must.  Think Pest Products Online for all your bee exterminating needs.

Property Damage

These insects can cause considerable damage to wood which has been used for nesting year after year. They are known to bore holes in wood trim near eaves and gables, fascia boards, porch ceilings, decks, and siding of homes.

Prevention

Paint wood surfaces.  Since the Carpenter bee prefers to attack wood that is bare, weathered, and unpainted. Keep structures closed when these insects are actively searching for nesting sites.

SEE CARPENTER BEE CONTROL PRODUCTS HERE

For products on how to control carpenter bees, we recommend…

Whitmire Wasp Freeze
Drione Dust

See other Stinging and Biting insect species

Africanized Killer Bees     |    Bedbugs    |    Black Deer Tick    |    Bumble Bee    |    Carpenter Bee

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