Carpenter Bees
(Xylocopa spp)
Appearance
Carpenter bees generally resemble bumble bees in size and color. They are black with some yellow. Most carpenter bees have yellow hairs on their thorax, but their abdomens are all black and shiny with few hairs. There are two small species and two large species found in Florida. Females do have the ability to sting.
Size
Approximately 1-inch long.
Behavior
Carpenter bees rarely attack painted or varnished wood, while natural wood may be attractive. These bees often cause problems for structures by boring into the surface of the wood that is the back face of the trim under the eaves. A buzzing or drilling sound is heard when the bee is boring into the wood. If the hole is not visible, the bee is boring into the backside of the trim, and sawdust can be seen underneath that area.
Habitat
Carpenter bees are solitary bees that build nests in structural wood, bamboo, and dead trees. Galleries are made by the female who chews into the wood, hollowing out a chamber. The female then deposits a mass of pollen and nectar in the chamber and lays an egg there. She then plugs the chamber with chewed wood pulp, and continues excavating until she has laid six to eight eggs. Nest galleries are reused for generations.
Interesting Facts
Four types of damage can be caused by carpenter bees: weakening of structural timbers, destruction of wooden water tanks, defecation streaking on houses or painted structures, and human annoyance.
Control
Do you live in Florida and think that this pest may be invading your home or yard? Hulett Environmental Services offers specialty pest control treatments designed to control and eliminate this pest!
