
What Do Carpenter Bees Look Like?
Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees as the two species are about the same size, and each can have yellow-and-black coloration. However, bumblebees are hairy all over their bodies. The thorax of the carpenter bee is often yellow and hairy as well, but the abdomen is typically shiny, black and smooth. Bumblebees almost always have some yellow on their bodies, while carpenter bees may be black all over.Why Do Carpenter Bees Tunnel in Wood?
Carpenter bees bore into wood and excavate tunnels to create nests to lay eggs and raise their young. This includes wood products on and around the home as well as trees. Any wood product greater than 50 millimeters thick may be susceptible:- Decks
- Lawn furniture
- Doors
- Railings
- Windowsills
- Roof eaves
- Shingles