Carpenter bees rarely sting people in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

Stinging insects of any kind can be cause for concern. Many people confuse bees for wasps and vice versa, making it important to know which are more of a risk to be around. In general, carpenter bees are unlikely to sting anyone. These bees are busy nesting in wood, which is a whole other danger to be aware of with their presence.

While carpenter bee stings are rare, the experts at Leo’s Pest Control know how concerning insect stings of any kind can be for you and your family. Our bee control experts are here to share what you need to know about the dangers of carpenter bees in Bristol TN.

When Do Carpenter Bees Sting People?

Similar to most bees, carpenter bees will only sting when provoked or threatened. Here’s what to know about carpenter bee activity and what may motivate them to sting someone:

  1. Male carpenter bees don’t possess a stinger, making the chances of a sting even lower. Female carpenter bees possess a stinger.
  2. Typically, the females are hard at work excavating chambers for their brood. Male carpenter bees are territorial and tend to appear aggressive and dangerous, but this is just for show. The males spend a lot of time hovering near their nest to protect it. Their sole purpose is to mate and chase off predators, allowing females to safely rear offspring.
  3. The only time female carpenter bees will sting is when majorly threatened, handled, stepped on, swatted at, etc. For the most part, these bees are too busy to worry about stinging nearby people.

Do Carpenter Bees Damage Wood?

A common fear with carpenter bees is their wood-boring abilities. Carpenter bees tunnel through wood to lay their eggs. However, carpenter bee damage is minuscule compared to that done by carpenter ants or termites. Only when there are dozens of carpenter bees working away for a long period of time would you begin to see the damage of their activity. This is often seen in window sills, porches, roofs, etc.

The beneficial qualities of carpenter bees far outweigh any dangers they pose. As pollinators, these bees sustain themselves on nectar and pollinate plants as they go.

How to Control Carpenter Bees

Whether you’ve noticed an uptick in carpenter bee activity or are suspicious of wood damage from their activity, contact your local bee control experts at Leo’s Pest Control. Our team will help determine any carpenter bee problems you may be having and work to keep you safe from their activity year-round. Get in touch with us today to learn more!

Can I Get Stung by a Carpenter Bee? in Bristol TN

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