Carpenter Bees: Quick Facts
• The bees get their name from fact that they bore into wood
• Carpenter bees look very similar to a typical bumble bee. The most notable difference is that they often lack the yellow stripes

What does a Carpenter Bee look like?
• The bees are Yellow or black
• The bees are approximately one-quarter inch to one-inch in length
• the bees have 6 legs
• Antennae
• Robust oval shape

What do they eat?
• Unlike termites, and similarly to Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees do not actually feed on the wood
• Carpenter Bees feed on pollen and plant nectar

Where do they live?
• Unlike honey bees, Carpenter bees are solidary and do not live in nests or colonies
• They hibernate during the winter in abandoned nest tunnels
• Soft, bare (untreated) wood

Are they dangerous?
• The female bees do possess a potent stinger, though they rarely sting humans unless provoked
• The male bees do NOT have a stinger and any ‘aggressive’ behavior, such as defending its territory, is just posturing
• Females left untreated to bore into wooden structures can cause serious damage over time

How can I prevent an infestation?
• Paint or stain all exterior wood surfaces
• Routinely examine all exterior wood surfaces for signs of smooth round holes

How do I get rid of them?
• If you suspect an infestation, it is recommended that you contact a licensed pest control specialist. Please call DKS Pest Control at (724) 478-5344.