![]() ![]() However, they are not aggressive, but if handled, they may sting. They will aggressively defend their territory from intruders, whether it be other male carpenter bees, pets, or people.įortunately for us, male bees lack a sting and are incapable of stinging (it’s all a show). They will establish territories near nests and flowers and patrol them. Male carpenter bees can also be a nuisance in the spring. Additionally, the holes in the wood can allow moisture to get in, potentially leading to rot and decay. On some occasions, though, if the tunnels get large enough (used for several years), or if there are multiple nests built in the same piece of wood (over several years), it may compromise the structural integrity of the wood, and it will need to be replaced. Typically, carpenter bee holes don’t cause serious structural damage. Woodpeckers may also damage wood in search of the bee larvae. In addition to unsightly holes, the bees will defecate before they enter their tunnels, which can stain surfaces beneath the holes. The primary problem with carpenter bee nesting is cosmetic. Unlike some other insects, like termites, they do not feed on the wood, they are simply excavating it to create a nest. However, they prefer soft woods like pine, fir, redwood, and cedar. They will use many species of dried, seasoned wood. What’s the problem?Ĭarpenter bees get a bad name because they build their nests in wood, often in outdoor wood structures such as decks or the eaves of homes. They will feed and then go back into the tunnels to overwinter. The eggs will hatch, and the larvae will feed and pupate new adults will emerge in August or September. A female usually produces 6 to 8 chambers in newly excavated nests. Each egg will be sealed off into individual chambers using a combination of wood pulp and saliva. She will tunnel straight into the wood before making a 90-degree turn and burrowing with the grain of the wood (easier to excavate compared to burrowing perpendicular to wood grain).įemales will lay eggs in the tunnels and provide them with bee bread (a mixture of pollen and nectar). If a female starts constructing a new tunnel, she chews a nearly perfect circle about ½ inch in diameter. Afterward, the females will either enlarge existing tunnels or begin to build new tunnels. ![]() ![]() Come spring (April and May), they will emerge and mate. Carpenter bees will over winter in tunnels as young adults. ![]()
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