Lately, I have had a few questions about Carpenter Bees, and what to do about them when they start becoming a nuisance on your property. I contacted Dr. Robert Bauernfeind, a K-State Research and Extension specialist and State Leader Entomologist to learn a little more about Carpenter Bees, and what to do about them when their benefits as pollinators no longer outweigh the problems of having them close by. He sent out an article that I wanted to share with you. If you have any questions, contact us at 620-793-1910.

Carpenter bees are fascinating insects. And one has to marvel at their flying capabilities as they zoom about in their mating ritual. These  antics typically begin in May. I noted carpenter bees (well one carpenter bee) back on April 29 (during a brief warm spell). The cool weather that followed sort of put the bees back on hold. But with our recent warm-up, reports and questions regarding carpenter bees have been received.
People might assume that if it looks like a bumble bee and buzzes like a bumble bee, it is a bumble bee. However, the abdomen of the carpenter bee (being devoid of hairs/fuzz) possesses a shiny in appearance. The major positive aspect of carpenter bees is their role as pollinators. However, people do not recognize carpenter bees in that role. Rather, carpenter bees are viewed as “threatening” and “destructive”. Male carpenter bees are territorial and will “buzz” a person who encroaches into their zone. While this may scare people, males cannot sting and are therefore completely harmless. Female carpenter bees are not aggressive and will not deliver a sting unless provoked or carelessly handled. There is no doubt that carpenter bees have a destructive side. Carpenter bees will attack a variety of bare and/or weathered wooden items such as structural timbers, decks, lawn furniture, fascia surfaces, fence posts, and utility poles. Initially, newly constructed tunnels may be of “minor” significance. However, extensive/destructive tunneling may occur if galleries are repeatedly reused and expanded over a number of years. Additionally, pollen deposits and carpenter bee excrement may cause unsightly stains. And deposits of “sawdust” may require cleaning/removal. Some people will wage campaigns against carpenter bees if the carpenter bees have been reoccurring and plentiful in number. Maintaining and painting exposed wood surfaces will aid in preventing carpenter bee problems. Existing entrance holes can be filled and sealed to discourage carpenter bees from reusing previous galleries. Continued surveillance is a tactic used by some individuals who will swat and kill the slow-flying hovering females as they seek/investigate potential nesting sites. When active galleries are discovered, a wire can be inserted to attempt to kill developing larvae. Caulking galleries will entrap carpenter bees and their larvae. Some people may opt for an insecticide approach when coping with carpenter bees. Dust formulations may be wafted through the entrance hole. Active adults will carry the dust deeper into the gallery system. Preventative sprays can be applied to exterior wood surfaces with the intent of killing carpenter bees as they contact treated surfaces. The results may vary depending on the thoroughness of treatment applications and the deterioration rates of the treatments per se. Currently, for 2013, there are there are 231 insecticide products registered (in Kansas) for use against carpenter bees. Visit various local retail outlets and speak with store personnel to
determine which product(s) they market for use against carpenter bees.
Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Barton County K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910