Connecticut Carpenter Bee
Control & Treatment

Connecticut Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees (Figure 9 ) are 3/4 to 1 inch long and closely resemble bumble bees except that their abdomen is a shiny metallic greenish-black; whereas, the abdomen of bumble bees is very hairy. These insects sometimes build their nests in solid wood such as weather boarding, railings, supports, and trim of buildings. Their nests are in the form of tunnels 3 to 6 inches deep in the wood. The entrance hole is about 1/2 inch in diameter. The holes are very clean and appear as though they were made by a drill. Damage to wood is seldom extensive.

CREDITS: Paul M. Choate, University of Florida Figure 9. Adult carpenter bee, Xylocopa sp

Connecticut Carpenter Bee Control & Treatment

Carpenter bees can be controlled by removing and replacing infested wood. Painting, staining, or filling holes with putty does not usually prevent the bees from digging a new tunnel.

Insecticides can be used to treat areas of wood where carpenter bees are active. A dust type insecticide is used to treat the carpenter bee holes. As the female enters the hole she will drag the dust into the nest and kill all the larvae, or there will be dust still there and active to kill any emerging juvenile carpenter bees, months later.