CARPENTER BEES

During this time of the year many homeowners are bothered by insects similar to bumblebees that hover around under structures such as porches and eaves of houses and bore holes in the woodwork. These insects are not bumblebees--they are carpenter bees. Carpenter bees are quite active during warm days and can often be found hovering near wooden structures such as decking, fence rails, and house siding or eaves. These insects are frequently mistaken for bumblebees, but they can be distinguished by their shiny, black tail section. Bumblebees have tail sections covered with yellow hairs.

The female carpenter bee drills a tunnel into the wood, usually in areas such as the underside or ends of rails or planking and sometimes in siding. A small pile of coarse sawdust beneath the hole is usually a good indicator of carpenter bee activity. Unlike termites, which actually consume wood, female carpenter bees excavate tunnels that serve as nests. The female constructs a pollen ball and inserts it in the back of the tunnel. She lays an egg near the pollen ball, then seals that section of the tunnel. She repeats this process until the tunnel is filled with individual cells, each containing a pollen ball and hatching larvae.

After completing the larval and pupal stages, adults emerge through the tunnel. Structural damage is not usually serious unless multiple tunneling continues over successive years.

To control carpenter bees, insecticidal dusts can be applied to the area where the insect is boring or spray liquid insecticides directly into and around the tunnel. Apply any insecticides carefully, avoid spraying when it is windy, and always try to stand "upwind" of the target area to avoid contaminating your clothing or skin.

After a few days, plug the holes with steel wool and then cover with putty or a wooden dowel. If the holes are plugged without any treatment, new tunneling and holes might be made by trapped adults emerging from within the tunnel chambers.

E-mail address: Missy_Hoggard@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 7/20/98.
Date Revised 11/19/03