Bee Control and Carpenter Bee Control

Are they “regular” bees or carpenter bees? This can play an important role in your decision of what to do about them. While honeybees and bumblebees are often harmless if they’re far enough away and you’re not allergic to them, carpenter bees can quickly start to damage wooden structures on the property.

Here are some ways to tell them apart:

• Appearance: Carpenter bees (¾” -1”) are larger than honeybees (½”); they have a shiny, hairless abdomen, black body, with metallic blue or green coloring. Honeybees are fuzzier with yellow and black coloring. 
• Nest Habits: Bees build large nests that are often attached to structures or within trees. These nests can have tens of thousands of individuals that become protective if they sense danger to the hive. Carpenter bees drill into wooden structures and form small nests – usually one female and her offspring.
• Damage: Carpenter bees are notorious for causing damage to wood, particularly old or weathered wood, as they use it to build their nests. Most bees will mind their own business unless they feel threatened. However, if they do feel threatened, they will not hesitate to sting you. Carpenter bees are less likely to sting, but stings can happen.