Have you noticed a big bee buzzing nearby as you try to relax on your deck. It may be a bumble bee, but also could be a carpenter bee. Carpenter bees closely resemble bumblebees, but have shiny, black rear ends and are fuzzier. If the bee seems to frequently visit a particular area near the siding or eave, look for small near-perfect holes in exposed wood. If you find one, you might also spot some yellowish staining around or under the hole. This is waste product from the bee. You might also see a small pile of sawdust below the hole. If so, you have likely found a carpenter bee’s nest.
Carpenter bees are less aggressive toward humans than bumblebees, but they can still be an annoyance and can do damage to your house if left untreated. Spraying the hole with the appropriate insecticide, plugging it, and keeping all wood surfaces painted may help prevent re-infestation. But if they return, you may need the help of a professional.
To help identify carpenter bees, or any of the many insects you might find around your home, visit www.cirrusimage.com or www.bugguide.net for a bug identification program. Select a particular bug or use the identifier features provided.
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