Pest Briefs: Carpenter Bees 101
By: Robert (Bob) Batman

NATURAL ENTOMOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION

Phylum Arthropoda
Class Hexapoda or Insecta
Order Hymenoptera Family Anthophoridae
Genus/species Xylocopa spp.

Morphosis: Complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)

Carpenter bees have something in common with a friend of mine, an attorney: they both specialize in property damage and personal injury.

To the untrained eye, these look like bumble bees. Big Mistake! Bumble bees don't drill holes in your house: carpenter bees do!

Carpenter bees are a problem in the Greater Kansas City Missouri/Kansas Metro area beginning, usually, in May, they become a noticeable problem: large dastardly-looking things flying about. Carpenter bees bore a round hole, approximately 1/2 inch in diameter, into the wood for approximately one (1) inch, then they turn 90 degrees and continue boring along with the grain for a foot or so, sometimes more: up to 10 feet. Entry holes are common on the bottoms and sides of the infested wooden members. If the situation goes unchecked, severe damage could occur!

Contrary to popular belief, carpenter bees like older cedar and redwood as well as other woods. They build their nest in wood...Repeat...in wood. They seem to like thicker wooden members (boards two or more inches thick), but have been found in thinner wood. Check out window and door trim/framing, overhead door frames (especially the exterior header above the door), siding, exposed rafters under eves, porch pillars/posts, decking, wooden patio slat board coverings, gazebos, fencing (2x4s and larger wooden members), telephone poles, dead trees), and etc.

WATCH OUT! Although normally not aggressive, If the female stings you, you are in for some severe pain. DOUBLE-OUCH! THEY REALLY PACK A WALLOP! PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS PEST.

If you live in the Greater Kansas City (Missouri and Kansas) Metropolitan Area, call Best at (816) 765-8844 weekdays between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Best Exterminators, Inc. Main Office Number: (816) 765-8844.