Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are large, solitary bees known for their habit of excavating tunnels in wood to create nesting sites. They are often mistaken for bumble bees due to their similar size and appearance, but carpenter bees have a shiny, hairless abdomen instead of a fuzzy one. Carpenter bees prefer untreated or weathered wood, such as decks, eaves, and fence posts, for nesting. While male carpenter bees may exhibit aggressive behavior when defending their territory, they do not have stingers. Female carpenter bees can sting but are not typically aggressive toward humans unless handled or threatened directly.