05/20/2026
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While "carpenter bees [Xylocopa virginica - pictured here] resemble bumble bees in both size and appearance," writes Steve Jacobs in a Penn State Extension article, carpenter bees, unlike bumble bees, "are not social insects."*
How to tell them apart? The easiest way to take a look at their abdomens: "Most of the top of the abdomen of carpenter bees is without hairs and is shiny black in color. By contrast, the abdomen of bumble bees is fully clothed with hairs, many of them yellow in color."*
Around this time of year, you may notice male carpenter bees hovering about, "dart[ing] after any other flying insect [or you] that ventures into their territory."* Do not be alarmed if this happens: "[t]he male bee cannot sting."* It is true that female carpenter bees can sting but this rarely occurs (most often when females are "extremely provoked").*
So why are they called carpenter bees? To be clear, it's not because they eat wood--that is not the case.* According to another Penn State Extension article--this one written by Kate Anton, Christina Grozinger, Ph.D., and Natalie Boyle--"[u]sing her mandibles, the female carpenter bee excavates a series of tunnels with chambers to house her offspring. She even uses the shavings from her excavation to create walls between the chambers. Within each chamber, the female carpenter bee lays an egg on a ball of pollen and nectar she collected. The egg will hatch into a larva and eat the pollen ball as its only source of food. Carpenter bees often nest in small groups, and the same nests are used year after year, growing more elaborate with each generation."**
What's the best method for managing carpenter bees around the home? Prevention.** "Applying paint or stain to wood surfaces deters bees from constructing a new nest. An annual springtime application of almond oil over wood surfaces is an excellent deterrent for those who prefer a natural wood finish. These surface treatments make the wood unattractive to the carpenter bee."** Beyond that, "providing alternative nesting options in the backyard can help further reduce the chances of negative bee-human interactions while providing suitable habitat for these native pollinators. Untreated pine or cedar can be used to lure female carpenter bees away from wooden structures - and it can be arranged as simply or elaborately as desired. Understanding and accommodating the behaviors of the bees can help reduce conflict and even provide an opportunity to enjoy our native pollinators in the backyard."**
To learn more about carpenter bees, check out the articles cited below!
Sources:
* "Carpenter Bees," Steve Jacobs (Former Sr. Extension Associate), Penn State Extension (updated May 12, 2026) (https://extension.psu.edu/carpenter-bees).
** “The Eastern Carpenter Bee: Beneficial Pollinator or Unwelcome Houseguest?” Kate Anton (Research Technologist), Christina Grozinger, Ph.D. (Distinguish Professor of Entomology), and Natalie Boyle (Assistant Research Professor), Penn State Extension (updated Feb. 17, 2024) ( https://extension.psu.edu/the-eastern-carpenter-bee-beneficial-pollinator-or-unwelcome-houseguest).
Photo taken at Longwood Gardens (June 3, 2023).
