| Description:
Carpenter bees are large (1/2-to
1-inch long), robust insects
that look like bumble bees.
They differ by having a bare,
shiny black abdomen compared
to bumble bees which have a
hairy abdomen with some yellow,
markings. Male carpenter bees,
identified by the bright yellow
spot in the middle of the head,
are aggressive but quite harmless
since they lack stingers. Females
can sting if molested.
Habits:
Carpenter bees actually bore
holes into wood to create
a tunnel in which to raise
their young. Carpenter bees
are not social insects, i.e.,
they do not live in nests
or colonies like yellow jackets
and honey bees. The entry
hole is 3/8 to 1/2-inch in
diameter and initially about
6-inches long; in subsequent
years, however, this maybe
extended to more than ten
feet. The initial opening'
is straight into the wood,
then the gallery typically
makes an abrupt right angle
and follows the grain of the
wood and parallel to the outer
surface. Entry holes are usually
located in well-lit and sheltered
areas, such as headers, roof
eaves, porch ceilings, fascia
boards, decks, doors, and
window sills. Soft wood, such
as California redwood, cedar,
white pine, and poplar is
preferred for nest building.
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