How to Identify Carpenter Bees

Co-authored by Scott McCombe

Last Updated: November 12, 2022 References

Carpenter bees are large, black and yellow insects which closely mirror bumblebees. Despite their physical resemblance, however, their behavior is completely different. While bumblebees can sting but are otherwise harmless, carpenter bees sting but can damage wooden structures. Keep an eye out for distinctive features of carpenter bees and wood damage so you can nip infestations in the bud before they get out of control.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Comparing Carpenter Bees to Bumblebees

1
Check for a stinger. Unlike male bumblebees, male carpenter bees lack a stinger. They may attempt to attack both humans and other insects, but they are usually harmless. Female carpenter bees do have a stinger but have a docile temperament. Unless directly handled, female bees will not often sting.^{[1]
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- Because female carpenter bees burrow into the wood, you will mostly come in contact with male bees.
2
Look for a black abdomen without fuzz.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.} Both carpenter bees and bumblebees are large, intimidating insects with black and yellow markings. But bumblebee abdomens are much fuzzier than their carpenter cousins. While a bumblebee's will be covered in small hairs, carpenter bee abdomens are hairless.^{[3]
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- Carpenter bee abdomens are black, but a bumblebee's abdomen will usually have yellow markings.
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3
Rule out carpenter bees if you see external nests. If you see a traditional-looking bee nest hanging from a tree, you are likely dealing with bumblebees. Carpenter bees burrow into the wood (hence the name "carpenter"), where females create various chambers to lay eggs and raise larvae.^{[4]
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4
Examine their size. Bee size can vary depending on the climate and location, but carpenter bees are usually slightly larger than bumblebees. Because of this difference in size, carpenter bees often look more formidable than other bees despite their lower likelihood to sting.^{[5]
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5
Look for bees unafraid to approach humans. Neither bumblebees or carpenter bees are particularly fond of humans. If a person approaches close enough to either, they will become aggressive.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.} Unlike bumblebees, however, carpenter bees are less wary of building their nests near humans.
6
Watch how they interact around other bees. Bumblebees are social insects and protect their nest or other bees when threatened. Carpenter bees are more solitary. Bees that gather in groups are more likely to be bumblebees, though carpenter bees can become territorial once their larvae is hatched.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Recognizing Carpenter Bee Habits

1
Look for aggressive bees. Although male carpenter bees are virtually harmless to humans, male bees will become aggressive when threatened or when threatening creatures enter their territory. Often, carpenter bees will hover closely around humans who near their nests in an attempt to scare them away.^{[8]
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- Despite their belligerency, carpenter bees are extremely unlikely to injure humans due to the male's lack of a stinger.^{[9]
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- Male bees are known to dive-bomb a perceived threat.
2
Pay attention to bees appearing in late spring. Carpenter bees will return from hibernation in late April or early May, depending on the temperature. Males are the first to appear, as female carpenter bees spend most of the early months laying eggs and caring for larvae.^{[10]
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3
Spot bees hovering near house eaves. Carpenter bees burrow in softwood and will rarely be found in living trees. Look for bees under wood areas that are not often disturbed (like beneath the porch stairs or on the entryway ceiling).^{[11]
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4
Check for carpenter bees in the eastern and southern United States. Carpenter bees are not indigenous everywhere. This species prefers climates with warm summers. Homes in the southern states (from Arizona to Florida) and all eastern states are all at-risk for infestation.^{[12]
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- States at-risk for carpenter bee infestation include: Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North/South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
- Carpenter bees are also indigenous to countries with similar climates to the southern and eastern United States.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Spotting Carpenter Bee Damage

1
Look for damage in soft, unpainted wood. Female carpenter bees use their teeth to make their nests, and softwood expends less energy. Paint can be poisonous for carpenter bees, and most shy away from decorated wood. Cedar, pinewood, and cypress wood especially attract carpenter bees.^{[13]
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- Popular nesting spots for carpenter bees include: decks, porch ceilings, fascia boards, and window trim.
2
Check for small, round holes.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.} Carpenter bee damage is well known for its exact, even holes. After a bee has burrowed in its nest, it leaves behind a precise ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) hole. These holes are usually made at a 90-degree entrance to the first nest chamber.^{[15]
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EXPERT TIP

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist

Our Expert Agrees: In addition, also be on the lookout for slight yellow or brown staining directly under or around the hole.
3
Pay attention to sawdust on the ground.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.} When a carpenter bee digs a hole into wood, it leaves behind a small pile of sawdust. These piles are generally even and directly below their small holes drilled into the wood. Inexplicable sawdust mounds could be a sign of home infestation.^{[17]
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4
Examine your house's exterior. Carpenter bees rarely, if ever, infest the inside of a home. For easy access to plants and protection against humans, carpenter bees construct their nests outside. if you notice wood damage inside your home, your home is probably infested by a different insect.^{[18]
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Ask a professional for confirmation. To an untrained eye, carpenter bee damage can be hard to verify. An exterminator is trained to recognize insect damage. If hired, they can confirm your bee infestation or identify an alternative source (like carpenter ants or termites).

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do I know if I have carpenter bees?

Scott McCombe
Pest Control Specialist
Scott McCombe is the CEO of Summit Environmental Solutions (SES), a family-owned local pest solutions, animal control, and home insulation company based in Northern Virginia. Founded in 1991, SES has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded “Top Rated Professional,” and “Elite Service Award" by HomeAdvisor.

Scott McCombe

Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

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Look for small round holes that are about 1/2"-wide in pieces of wood or siding. You can also check for small piles of sawdust underneath the holes.