Are carpenter bees harmful?

Most of the damage seen on the outside of homes is from the woodpeckers trying to get to the larvae, not the carpenter bees themselves! Carpenter bees prefer unfinished wood. An easy deterrent is to keep all your wood stained or painted. read more

Over several years, the damage to wood can become quite extensive, as the bees expand old tunnels and excavate new ones. Carpenter bees often nest in decks, porches, and eaves, putting them in close proximity to people. Xylocopa bees (and other Carpenter bees) look quite similar to bumblebees, so it's easy to misidentify them. read more

Carpenter Bees and Humans. Male Carpenter Bees are thought to be the more aggressive sex, may buzz around protectively and be a nuisance if you come near the nest, but have no stinger and are therefore of no harm to people. read more