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Bees might not be on your mind during the winter, but bee season in Oregon will be here before you know it. The bad news is, carpenter bees may make nests in the wood around your home or business. Holes in wood never look attractive, so you’ll want to take action if you have a serious carpenter bee issue. Learn about types of carpenter bees in the Beaver State, their damage and more.
In Oregon, carpenter bees are likely to be active from spring through the early fall. If you see bees and perfectly round holes in your wood which weren’t there before, you could have an infestation. Western Exterminator's bee removal experts know how to handle carpenter bee problems and will help you get rid of these pests. Call 800-937-8398 or contact us online to arrange a time for us to come to your property.
What are carpenter bees?
You may have heard of carpenter bees, but what are they? Carpenter bees are solitary flying insects. Although they are helpful as pollinators, carpenter bees create pencil-shaped holes in wood, such as trees or wooden structures in order to lay eggs. Unlike termites, carpenter bees do not eat wood.
What species of carpenter bees are in Oregon?
Oregon contains two types of carpenter bees, the California carpenter bee and the mountain carpenter bee.
California carpenter bee
¾ to 1 inch in length
Mainly metallic green to blue with grayish wings.
Mountain carpenter bee
½ to ⅝ inch in length with black bodies
Males have black, yellow, and white hairs on their heads.
Are you unsure if you are dealing with carpenter bees? Our complete guide to bees can help you identify the species.
What damage do carpenter bees cause?
Carpenter bees create holes in wood as they burrow to create nests, which can look unappealing and can ultimately weaken wooden structures on your property. Female carpenter bees often return to the same nesting sites year after year. Over time, this can cause existing holes to lengthen or branch into new tunnels. You might also notice staining beneath the entry holes caused by bee droppings, which can lead to discoloration.
In Portland, if you live in the mountains or a place with lots of trees, you may be more likely to encounter carpenter bees.
Facts about carpenter bees
Carpenter bees mate in the spring, and a female will dig into wood to create a new nest or return to an existing nest. She stores food for the larvae like nectar and pollen here, then places an egg on top. The female bee seals the chamber containing the egg, eventually creating multiple chambers in what’s known as a gallery. One of the most interesting carpenter bee facts is their nesting behavior—each gallery is carefully built and reused year after year, growing with every generation.
Watch for carpenter bees around your home or business. Carpenter bees may nest in areas such as fascia or the underside of your roof. Carpenter bees will use the same nest multiple times or build additional passages close to existing nests, increasing the chance of weakening the wood and causing damage. If you see sawdust near or beneath holes, you could be dealing with an infestation.
Do carpenter bees in Oregon sting?
It’s possible, but unlikely to be stung by a carpenter bee. The large size of carpenter bees can be alarming and male carpenter bees can be aggressive when people are near. However, males lack stingers entirely and females rarely sting at all. If you do happen to get stung and have any kind of unusual reaction, contact a medical professional right away.
Bumble bee vs. carpenter bee: the differences
You may mistake a carpenter bee for a bumble bee, but they are not the same insect. The bumble bee has more visible hairs on its body, whereas carpenter bees have a shinier appearance. Bumble bees also have yellow or white bands, but carpenter bees are more black and metallic.
Additionally, bumble bees are more social than carpenter bees. Their living quarters are also very different as bumble bees live in holes in the ground, while carpenter bees use wood for nesting.
How to get rid of carpenter bees in Oregon
If carpenter bees are digging into the wooden structures around property, you might be tempted to use a do-it-yourself method to remove the bees. But do not try to eliminate a stinging pest issue on your own; rather, contact a reliable pest control professional. Western Exterminator is skilled in carpenter bee control and will use the appropriate tactic to get rid of the problem.
When you contact us, we will visit your property and conduct an inspection to confirm that the pests are indeed carpenter bees and see where the damage is located. Control may include liquid or dust chemical treatments to the bee galleries.
Western Exterminator is your local expert in Oregon carpenter bees and we will work with you to alleviate your fears about stinging pests. If you have seen carpenter bees at your home or business get in touch with us today.
Frequently asked questions
What are the black bees in Oregon?
If you're seeing large, shiny black bees hovering near wood or outdoor structures, you're likely spotting carpenter bees. They’re often confused with bumble bees, but their smooth, glossy abdomen helps tell them apart.
Are carpenter bees native to Oregon?
Yes, carpenter bees are native to Oregon and can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest. They’re most active in spring and summer and tend to return to the same nesting spots each year if not addressed.
What are carpenter bees?
Carpenter bees are large, solitary bees that tunnel into wood to create nesting galleries. Unlike honey bees or bumble bees, they don’t live in colonies or produce honey. The female does all the drilling and nesting, while the male often hovers nearby.
Are carpenter bees beneficial?
Yes, carpenter bees are pollinators and play a role in supporting plant life. However, their habit of boring into wood can become a problem when nests are built in or around homes, decks, or fences.
Are carpenter bees dangerous to humans?
Carpenter bees are not considered dangerous. Males may seem aggressive as they hover near people, but they don’t have stingers. Females can sting if provoked, but they rarely do. Most of the concern around carpenter bees is about the damage they cause to wood—not the risk of stings.