Carpenter Bees Vs. Bumble Bees

Pest control professionals in Ocean County, NJ often receive calls from customers reporting the presence of large carpenter bees on their property.  Upon inspection, it is often discovered that carpenter bees are not the trouble causing pests after all.  Often times carpenter bees are confused with bumble bees, which is not surprising because they do have similar physical characteristics.

The most noticeable differences between the two bee species is their nesting sites and their social behavior.

Carpenter bees can be found flying near wood decks, railings, window sills, and under the eaves of homes.  The top part of the abdomen of the carpenter bee is void of hair and is black in color.  Although you may see many carpenter bees in a particular area, they are not considered to be social insects.  Carpenter bees drill perfect circular holes in wood.  They do not consume wood, instead they use it to tunnel deep inside to build a nest to escape the elements and raise their young.  Male carpenter bees tend to hover near the nesting site and female carpenter bees tend to build the nesting site.  A pile of sawdust looking material is a good indication that carpenter bees have invaded the wood.

Bumble bees are considered to be social insects.  Many species of bumble bees build their nests underground.  Unlike the carpenter bees, bumble bees do have hair on their abdomen.  They eat nectar and pollen that is found in flowers and they don’t tend to cause trouble to humans.  Bumble bees will sting if their nest is threatened or if they are handled.

Visit our website to learn more about carpenter bees and bumble bees.


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