How to spot carpenter bee nests, and how to properly get rid of them
By KY3 Staff
Published: Apr. 19, 2025 at 7:04 AM GMT+9|Updated: Apr. 19, 2025 at 7:35 AM GMT+9
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) -While honey bees nest in trees and bumble bees nest in the ground, carpenter bees nest in wood.
Most carpenter bees spend their time around dead wood. They get their name from being able to dig holes into wood, where they lay their eggs after mating. Most holes are about a half an inch in diameter, and can be anywhere from 6-12 inches deep.
Carpenter bees are bigger than honey bees, but are solitary creatures, which means they fly alone rather than in a colony. While their size may be intimidating, they are not harmful.
“I think humans are just naturally scared of any insect of any kind,” said Mike Lee, owner of Buzz Pest Control. “In theory, carpenter bees, I’ve never had one attack me.“
Typically, humans only come across male carpenter bees, which do not have stingers. Female carpenter bees spend most of their time in their nest with the eggs.
“Front porch entrances have big cedar logs, or wood cedar on the side of the house,” said Lee, when asked where carpenter bees usually nest.
If you do happen to spot a carpenter bee nest in your property, be sure to seal it to prevent the bees from returning. Specialists also recommend using oils like almond or citrus to make the area undesirable for future nests.
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