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University
of Rhode Island GreenShare Factsheets
Carpenter
Bees Xylacopa
varipuncta
Hymenoptera: Xylcopidae
Carpenter
bees bore into wood to construct their nests. They are capable of
drilling a large number of 1/2 inch diameter (13 mm) holes in preferred
sites. Carpenter bees often reuse the same nesting sites year after
year. Nail holes, exposed saw cuts and unpainted wood often attract
these bees. Porches, garages, shed ceilings and trim, railings,
roof overhangs and outdoor wooden furniture are common nesting sites.
Continued borings may weaken wooden structures, and the yellow sawdust
and waste materials may stain cars, clothing or furniture.
Description:
Carpenter bees are large, black and yellow insects about 1 inch
(25 mm) long. They closely resemble bumble bees. The thorax is covered
with yellowish hairs, and the abdomen is a shiny black color and
hairless. Male carpenter bees are territorial; in the spring they
are often found guarding potential nest sites. They discourage intruders
by hovering or darting at anything venturing into the nesting areas.
The female carpenter bee, like many other bees, can sting, but it
is uncommon for her to do so; the males do not sting.
Carpenter
bees nest in dry wood and occasionally hollow stems. They overwinter
as juvenile adults in the tunnels from the previous year. Those
which survive the winter mate in the spring (April to June) and
then begin nesting activities. They often refurbish old tunnels
instead of boring new ones. The tunnel may be a foot or more in
length. The eggs are placed in cells; the female places nectar and
pollen she has gathered from flowers to feed the young in each cell.
The larvae hatch, feed and pupate within the cells. New adults emerge
before cold weather in the early fall. Well-painted, finished
structures are a deterrent to carpenter bees. When tunnels
are found, treatment
with an insecticide and sealing
of the tunnel is recommended. Wasp, hornet and bee aerosol sprays
are effective and easy to use. The material should be applied
in
the early morning or after dark on a cool evening (when the bees
are less active) to the tunnel entrances and along exposed surfaces.
If no activity is observed a few days after application, the
holes should be plugged deeply
with putty or caulking compound. If the tunnels are plugged without
first killing the insects, any carpenter bees trapped inside
will
bore new openings. Tennis racquets have often been used to successfully
control adults.
Adapted
from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 1999
Pesticides
are poisonous! Read and follow all safety precautions on labels.
Handle carefully and store in original containers out of reach
of children, pets or livestock. Dispose of empty containers
immediately, in a safe manner and place. Pesticides should never
be stored with foods or in areas where people eat.
When trade names are used for identification, no product endorsement
is implied, nor is discrimination intended against similar materials.
Be sure that the pesticide you intend to use is registered for
the state of use.
The user of this information assumes all risk for personal injury
or property damage.
For more
information, call the URI CE Gardening and Food Safety Hotline
at 1-800-448-1011 or (401)874-2929 from outside Rhode Island;
Monday-Thursday between 9 am and 2 pm.
University
of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension provides equal program
opportunities.
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