What Do Carpenter Bees Look Like?
Carpenter bees are wood-boring bees native to Wisconsin. These solitary bees are named for their habit of drilling tunnels into wood to build nests. Adults are about 1/2 to 1 inch in size. Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees because of their similar appearance. However, carpenter bees have hairless, shiny abdomens. They are primarily black, but some species may be 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 at Advanced 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.