What
are carpenter bees?
 Carpenter
bees (right) are large, colorful bees that look somewhat like bumble bees
[picture
of carpenter bee]. Carpenter bees occasionally construct
nests in exterior structural or decorative wood such as siding, fascia
boards, trim, and log
homes. A round hole is chewed in the wood surface then a
tunnel is bored, usually at 90 degrees to the entrance (lower right).
The tunnels may be used year
after year, and lengthened each year. Damage is caused by this repeated
use of the wood which eventually may weaken it directly or by allowing
water to penetrate. Entry holes are round and generally about 1/2" in
diameter. Tunnels are excavated by female bees using their powerful
mandibles (jaws).
Can I stop carpenter bee damage?
Unfinished wood surfaces are far more
likely to be attacked than finished wood. Paint works better
than stain to resist carpenter bees but stain is better than no finish.
Bottom line - the heavier the surface finish the better. Softer wood is
generally selected and surfaces in direct light, as opposed to in
shadow, are preferred.
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| | carpenter bee - a bumble bee look-a-like; photo by USDA/ARS |
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| Carpenter bee tunnels. Original drawing from Wood-Inhabiting Insects in Houses
by Harry B. Moore, 1979. USDA, Forest Service and HUD.
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