Carpenter Bees are approximately one inch long, black in color. Abdominal segments appear metallic and iridescent reflecting blue, blue-black, purple, green or bronze colors, and the legs are noticeably hairy. Although they will fly and hover without regard to human activity, the male lacks a stinger and is considered harmless. The female has the ability to sting but rarely will. The sting is usually mild The Carpenter bee gets its name from the damage it does to wood. They will attack areas of the home that may include the roof trim, siding, exterior columns, steps, decks, porch beams, outdoor furniture and fences. Entry holes will be approximately one half inch round with a sawdust-like debris below the area being tunneled. Normal entry is about one inch into the wood against the grain and then a right angle turn with the grain tunneling to a depth of four to six inches. Prolonged use of these tunnels may reach a depth of six to nine feet at a rate of an inch per day. Additionally, they prefer unpainted or unvarnished softwoods, which are easier to penetrate. They will bore into trees and plants such as yucca. The most effective method of control from previous tunneling or current activity can be to fill damaged areas with steel wool and covered with metal window screening. Previously damaged or especially vulnerable areas can be covered or replaced with aluminum asphalt or fiberglass materials. Finally, keep areas heavily coated with paint or varnish, paying attention to the underside of siding or trim.

Life Cycle:

Eggs are laid in the cells of hollowed-out galleries in infested wood. They hatch in about a week. The larvae take from three to four weeks to actually develop, but then remain in that state for another 15-19 days. The pupal stage lasts 40-45 days, but if food is left in the cell the adult may remain there a while before emerging. The complete egg to adult cycle can be completed in 84-99 days.

Main Characteristics

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