What Do Carpenter Bees Look Like?
Carpenter bees are wood-boring bees native to Wisconsin and are named for their ability to drill perfectly round tunnels into wood to create nesting sites. These solitary bees typically measure between ½ inch and 1 inch in length. They are often mistaken for bumble bees due to their similar size and body shape; however, carpenter bees can be distinguished by their smooth, shiny, hairless abdomens. While most are primarily black, some species may display metallic shades of green, blue-black, or purple.
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Where Do Carpenter Bees Nest?
Carpenter bees are solitary insects that build individual nests. They don’t consume wood but instead drill circular holes to create tunnels inside wood. Carpenter bees prefer unfinished or untreated wood and usually target outdoor wooden structures such as fences, porches, decks, siding, and eaves. They create perfectly circular tunnels that are typically 6 to 12 inches deep. During winter, carpenter bees stay in their nests and reemerge in the spring. If not controlled, they may continue to use and expand the same tunnels or find new ones.
Do Carpenter Bees Sting?
Carpenter bees are very docile bees. The females can sting if they feel threatened, but the males are harmless as they do not have stingers. Although these bees are not usually harmful to humans, their wood-boring behavior can result in noticeable damage to wooden structures over time. If not dealt with promptly, carpenter bees can cause significant structural damage to fences, sheds, and siding.
Beehive Removal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Carpenter bees usually will not tunnel into painted wood. Painting unfinished wood surfaces may help deter carpenter bees. If you discover an established carpenter bee nest, contact the bee experts atAdvanced Wildlife and Pest Control for help! Our certified pest specialists provide safe, effective stinging pest control and nest removal services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.