Carpenter bees are a common insect species found in North Carolina. In the state, we have two main species of carpenter bees: Xylocopa virginica and Xylocopa micans. These bees are commonly referred to as the eastern and southern carpenter bees, respectively.
Xylocopa virginica, also known as the eastern carpenter bee, is the larger of the two species found in North Carolina. The females can reach a size of about 1 inch in length, while the males are slightly smaller. These bees have a shiny black abdomen and a yellow thorax. They are often mistaken for bumblebees due to their similar appearance.
On the other hand, Xylocopa micans, or the southern carpenter bee, is the smaller species found in the state. The females of this species are typically around 3/4 inch in length, while the males are even smaller. They have a similar appearance to the Xylocopa virginica, with a shiny black abdomen and a yellow thorax.
One distinguishing characteristic of carpenter bees is their ability to bore into wood. Both species of carpenter bees found in North Carolina are known for excavating tunnels in wood, such as tree trunks, old logs, or even wooden structures like fences or decks. These tunnels can cause damage to the wood over time, which can be a concern for homeowners or property owners.
Carpenter bees are solitary insects, meaning they do not live in large colonies like honeybees. Instead, they create individual nests within the wood tunnels they excavate. The female carpenter bee will create a series of cells within her tunnel, where she will lay her eggs and provide food for the developing larvae. The male carpenter bee does not contribute to nest construction or care for the young.
In terms of behavior, carpenter bees are generally not aggressive towards humans. The males can be territorial and may hover around their nest entrances, but they do not have stingers and cannot cause harm. However, the females do have stingers and can sting if they feel threatened or provoked. It is important to exercise caution around carpenter bees and avoid disturbing their nests to prevent any potential stings.
To deter carpenter bees from nesting in wooden structures, it is recommended to keep the wood well-maintained and sealed. Painting or varnishing the wood can also help make it less attractive to the bees. If you already have carpenter bees nesting in your property, it may be necessary to consult with a pest control professional to safely and effectively remove the nests.
North Carolina is home to two species of carpenter bees: Xylocopa virginica and Xylocopa micans, also known as the eastern and southern carpenter bees. These bees are known for their ability to bore into wood and create tunnels for nesting. While they are generally not aggressive towards humans, it is important to exercise caution around them and take necessary steps to prevent or remove their nests from wooden structures.
