Carpenter Bee Facts

Threats:

• Can cause serious property damage over time
• Males are territorial and aggressive but cannot sting
• Females have painful sting but rarely use it

Habits:

• Solitary and do not nest together or colonize
• Bees emerge in spring to feed on nectar and reproduce
• Female bores circular ½ inch diameter holes to construct brood cells
• Tunnels are made in wood, brood cells are completed and eggs are laid
• Males may bob at a passerby as they protect their brooding female

Nests and Colonies:

Carpenter bees build their nests within wood galleries they have chewed. This begins around Late April. Galleries are 4 or 6 inches long on average but have been found over 10 feet long. Carpenter bees nest solitarily.

Reproduction and Lifecycle:

Once the eggs are laid, they will hatch in roughly 2-3 days. Larva then feed around 15 days and are pre-pupate for 4 days. Pupal stages last roughly 15 days and metamorphosis is complete. Males and female breed in mid-air during flight and the process begins afresh.

Infestation

Carpenter bees infest exposed wood or wood that may not be visible but is accessible by the bees.

Preventative Measures:

• Carpenter bees prefer bare wood. Painting and staining wood can help prevent damage.
• Use an exterior paint designed specifically for your particular application.
• Log homes have recommended products for use as a protectant.
• Additionally, you can look for smooth, ½ inch diameter round holes in exposed wood and sawdust piles under the holes which signify current activity.
• The presence of carpenter bees flying around the structure are also a tell-tale sign that you may have an infestation.

Contact Four Seasons Pest Solutions for preventative carpenter bee treatments.