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Problem:
Carpenter bees

Image of Carpenter bees

Problem Info

Metallic blue or black buzzing bees fly around the home and yard. They may be seen entering and leaving holes about 1 inch wide in decks, posts, beams, rafters, and other wooden structures. When damaged wood is sliced open, partitioned galleries may be seen. The partitions may contain immature bees.

Analysis

Xylocopa species These insects do not usually cause serious damage; continued burrowing and gallery formation year after year will eventually weaken wooden structures, however. These insects burrow into wood to make their nests. The female bees partition the galleries into small cells in which the carpenter bee larvae mature. When bee nests are approached, the males hover around the head of the intruder. Although they are frightening because of their loud buzzing and large size, male bees do not sting, and females sting only when handled.

Solution Advice

Although they are frightening because of their loud buzzing and large size, male bees do not sting, and females sting only when handled. Paint wood surfaces once a year to discourage bee tunneling. Close the holes with putty, caulking compound, dowel pins, or plastic wood to prevent bees from returning to the nest.

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