Carpenter bees are often confused with bumblebees, but you can differentiate them by their shiny black abdomen. They received the name “carpenter” bees due to their unique method of laying eggs. They search for wooden structures and create a large hole by gnawing away at the wood. Afterward, they place pollen, food, and their eggs inside the hole before sealing it up with the wood pulp they created. The holes they make are known as galleries, and they lay their eggs during the late spring and early summer.
Carpenter bees are not social insects, and each female lays her eggs separately from other bees. However, if multiple bees happen to choose the same piece of wood, they can cause significant damage to the property. When approaching a carpenter bee, it’s essential to note its sex. Male carpenter bees typically have white marks on their faces and lack stingers, although they may attempt to mimic the behavior of stinging if threatened. They can become highly territorial and will aggressively harass any creature that comes near their home. On the other hand, females possess stingers but will not sting humans unless provoked or trapped.
