Ranging from three-quarters to one inch long, the carpenter bee is on the larger side. It has a shiny black abdomen with a fuzzy thorax that’s orange or yellow. Dense hairs cover its hind legs, which help pick up and carry pollen. Female carpenter bees have all black heads while males have yellow or white markings.
Carpenter bees are solitary insects that build their nests in unpainted wood. Mated females make half-inch holes and create tunnels where they lay their eggs. If you see these pests hovering near these openings or spot sawdust beneath them, you may have a carpenter bee problem.
Do Carpenter Bees Sting?
Unlike some other stinging pests (cough cough, yellow jackets), the carpenter bee is generally docile and rarely attacks, though it might do so if threatened or handled. While they will fly aggressively at anyone nearby, male carpenter bees don’t have a stinger. On the other hand, females may sting once or several times if they feel provoked.
Problems Caused By Carpenter Bees
This pest can damage unfinished wooden items and weaken structures over time. Homes and businesses that have firewood, decks, or wood siding run a higher risk of infestation. Plus, carpenter bees are often noisy, creating a nuisance for residents and customers.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
Some people try to fix issues with these insects by using carpenter bee traps. The pest enters a pre-drilled hole in a small wooden box and becomes trapped in a bottle underneath. However, this method only helps manage the adult population. To safely remove carpenter bees, contact the professionals at Waltham Pest Services.