As temperatures climb and we approach the midpoint of summer, gardens throughout the Mahoning Valley are buzzing with activity. However, there is one type of species buzzing around, the Xylocopa Virginica, more commonly referred to as the carpenter bee, which homeowners have mixed feelings about.

Arriving in April to early May, carpenter bees are welcome visitors in our gardens for their pollinating purposes, but can become unwelcomed guests when the females begin to bore holes into wooden structures to build their nests.

Carpenter bees resemble and are often mistaken for bumblebees. The most obvious distinction is that carpenter bees have a black shiny abdomen, as compared to the hairy yellowish body of the bumble bee.

From a behavioral standpoint, carpenter bees are much different from bumblebees. According to the Purdue University Department of Entomology, carpenter bees are solitary and not part of a communal colony, so there are no drones or queen bees to be concerned about. Additionally, only the female carpenter bee is capable of stinging, which happens seldom, unless provoked. Male carpenter bees are territorial and will guard the nest, but are harmless, because they lack a stinger.

Eastern species of carpenter bees favor soft, untreated wood for nesting such as cedar, cypress, redwood and pine. The female, using her strong jaws, will bore a perfect ½- to 1-inch hole into deck boards, window trim, fences, arbors, pole barns and sheds. After penetrating the wood, the female will make a 90-degree turn and begin tunneling for 4 to 6 inches, creating a tunnel to lay her eggs. This bee creates its nesting tunnel at a rate of roughly 1 inch every six days. After laying her eggs and completing the nest, the female’s life cycle ends later that season.

So, what should a homeowner do when they begin to see signs of property damage caused by carpenter bees? Based on the Ohio State University Extension, an integrated pest management solution is the best approach. Integrated pest management consists of a multifaceted approach to solving the problem, before choosing pesticides as a single source solution.

Once damage has been detected, it is best to begin managing the problem in the evening when bees are less active, and be sure to wear protective clothing. Start by plugging the holes with wood putty, wooden dowel rods or protective sealant.

By denying the carpenter bee access to the tunnel, bees and eggs trapped inside typically will not chew their way out, due to behavioral constraints. Also, since carpenter bees seek out untreated wood in the wild, applying a coat of oil-based paint or stain, can also help to mitigate a future return to the treated area.