My Boss is a 6 legged Carpenter...

Bee.
My Boss is a 6-legged Carpenter Bee! Get it?!

Okay, maybe that’s only funny to me. Anyway… Today I’m going to focus on Carpenter Bees and that will be the end of this little foray into different bee and wasp species.

Behold: The Industrious Carpenter Bee.

Why are they called “Carpenter Bees”?

These bees get their names because their nests( also called galleries) are found in excavated holes in wood. Contrary to popular belief, these little critters do not actually eat wood. They survive off of nectar and pollen, like most other bees.

If they don’t eat wood, how do the create holes in my house (shed, garage, building…)?

Female Carpenter Bees are responsible for the holes and tunnels you see in your structure. Because building a gallery is requires so much hard work and energy, it makes more sense for the bee to build off a pre-existing tunnel. She does this by using her mandibles to create a perfect hole about the width of her own body. Generally, it takes her about six days to build an inch of her tunnel. Eastern Carpenter Bees prefer to nest in soft woods, such as cedar, pine, and fir. They also really enjoy weathered wood, as it’s already “broken in” and easier for them to tunnel through.

Carpenter Bee "Gallery":

Interesting Fact: Male Carpenter Bees do not have a stinger. Only females do.

How do I keep them away from my house?
A good way to keep Carpenter Bees from invading your structure is to coat any exposed wood with a polyurethane or oil-based paint. You may also want to consider using alternative materials such as vinyl siding, aluminum, or asphalt.

It’s too late for me. I already have them. What can I do?!

If you already have damage from Carpenter Bees you may be able to stop them in their tracks. A simple wood putty may be used to plug up holes. After you have done that, paint over the affect surface with an oil or polyurethane-based paint. Always be sure to repaint the wooden surfaces of your home or structure every few years, as the paint will begin to weather from being exposed to the elements.