What Are Carpenter Bees?

Many of our Wonder Friends already have a good understanding of honeybees. You may have learned about why bees sting or how they select their next queen. Today’s Wonder of the Day focuses on another interesting topic – carpenter bees!

Why are they called carpenter bees? Do they construct furniture? Build house frames? No, but carpenter bees have a strong affinity for wood! This is why many people refer to them as wood bees.

Carpenter bees are as large as bumblebee queens and are among the largest bees in North America. They have a lifespan of up to three years and can grow to be an inch long. Some experts describe them as “gentle giants” because, despite their size, they rarely pose a threat to humans.

In fact, male carpenter bees do not have stingers at all. Females do, but they only sting when they are extremely agitated. Most of the time, carpenter bees are more of a danger to property than to people.

This is due to their nesting habits. Unlike most other bees, they do not live in hives with a colony. Instead, carpenter bees prefer to live alone. When it is time to lay eggs, the female bees will bore into a wooden object, such as trees, houses, or even the wooden swing set in your backyard!

Once they have created a tunnel in the wood, the bees will lay their eggs and feed their young there until they are ready to fly on their own. During the winter months, adult carpenter bees may return to these tunnels for shelter.

Have you ever spotted a carpenter bee in your yard? Many of them have yellow thoraxes, which often leads people to mistake them for bumblebees. However, carpenter bees have dark and shiny abdomens, which sets them apart from their fuzzy relatives.

In addition to frequenting wooden structures, carpenter bees can also be found in vegetable and flower gardens. While they can cause damage to wooden structures and are considered pests by many, they also contribute to pollination.

However, if the adults in your family are concerned about the damage caused by carpenter bees, there are some measures they can take. It is difficult to keep them away from wooden structures, but some adults find that treating the bees’ holes with insecticidal spray helps. It is important for kids to never handle these poisonous substances – leave that to the adults! There are also natural methods for repelling carpenter bees, such as using sounds or scents that they dislike.

As long as they are not causing damage to your property, carpenter bees should be left alone. If you have a garden, they may actually benefit your plants. If you encounter carpenter bees in your yard, it is best to give them plenty of space. Although they are gentle giants, it is better to avoid the risk of being stung.

Try It Out

Continue learning with the help of an adult through these activities:

• With the abundance of bee species, how can one distinguish between them all? To start, take a look at this convenient guide. How can carpenter bees be differentiated from other types? Explain this to a friend or family member.
• Feeling artistic? Create a drawing of a wood bee based on the information provided in this Wonder. Enhance the accuracy of your drawing by including a background that provides additional details about carpenter bees and their actions. Complete your drawing by coloring it and listing five facts about wood bees on the back.
• Are you eager to expand your knowledge about bees? Visit this compilation of interesting facts. Are there bees in your vicinity? Design a poster to educate your neighbors about bees using the information you have learned today. Then, seek assistance from an adult to hang the poster in a visible location where others can read it and gain a deeper understanding of these diligent insects!

Wonder Sources

• https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/carpenter_bees.shtml (accessed 07 Aug. 2020)
• https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/carpenter-bees (accessed 07 Aug. 2020)
• https://www.rescue.com/latest-buzz/helpful-hints/how-to-tell-a-carpenter-bee-from-a-bumble-bee/ (accessed 07 Aug. 2020)
• https://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/Carpenter_Bee_Identification_Signs.htm (accessed 07 Aug. 2020)

FAQ

1. What are carpenter bees?

Carpenter bees are large insects belonging to the genus Xylocopa. They are commonly found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. These bees are known for their ability to bore into wood, hence the name “carpenter bees.”

2. How do carpenter bees differ from other bees?

Unlike honeybees or bumblebees, carpenter bees do not live in colonies. They are solitary bees that prefer to build individual nests in wood structures, such as tree trunks, wooden fences, or even houses. Female carpenter bees excavate tunnels in the wood to create their nests.

3. Are carpenter bees harmful?

Carpenter bees are generally considered to be more of a nuisance than a serious threat. While the male carpenter bees can be aggressive and may hover around humans to defend their territory, they do not possess a stinger. Female carpenter bees, however, can sting if provoked, although they are not typically aggressive.

4. Why do carpenter bees bore into wood?

Female carpenter bees bore into wood to create galleries for their nests. These galleries serve as a safe and protected environment for their eggs and larvae. The bees use their strong jaws to excavate the wood, creating tunnels that can extend several inches deep.

5. How can I identify carpenter bees?

Carpenter bees are typically large in size, often resembling bumblebees. They have a shiny black abdomen and can range in color from black to metallic blue or green. Male carpenter bees have white or yellow facial markings, while female bees have a smooth, black face.

6. How can I prevent carpenter bees from infesting my property?

To prevent carpenter bees from infesting your property, it is important to seal any existing wood damage and fill in any existing holes or tunnels. Applying paint or varnish to wooden surfaces can also act as a deterrent. Additionally, using treated or naturally resistant wood for construction can make it less attractive to carpenter bees.