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Safety Products

Please be sure to read the product label of any insecticide you choose to use to get information on the personal protective safety gear you will need. In most situations, it is recommended that you wear long pants, a long sleeved shirt, closed toe shoes with socks, chemical resistant gloves, and goggles. In areas where ventilation is poor, a manufacturer may recommend you wear a mask or a respirator. We have put together two different safety kits that will make selecting the correct safety gear easier for you.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter Bee Identification Guide

What Do Carpenter Bees Look Like

By DoMyOwn staff
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Overview
An image of a carpenter bee on a branch above a nest hole
Carpenter bees are often confused with bumble bees but there are definitely some distinguishing features that can help you tell a carpenter bee from a bumble bee.
Size
Carpenter bees are typically 1/2" to 1" long.
Shape
A diagram of a carpenter bee's body parts
  • Carpenter bees have six legs
  • Carpenter bees have two sets of wings
  • Carpenter Bees have three body segments: head, thorax and abdomen
  • Male carpenter bees do not (cannot) sting. Female carpenter bees are able to sting but must be extremely agitated before they will do so.
Color
A graphic comparing the carpenter and the bumblebee
  • Carpenter bees have a fuzzy yellow and black front end
  • Carpenter bees have a dark shiny, hairless back end
  • Male carpenter bees have a white or cream colored dot on the head
Nest/Damage
Another way to identify carpenter bees (vs bumblebees) is to look at the damage they cause. For information and images of carpenter bee damage, see our carpenter bee inspection guide.
Range
A graphic showing the range of the carpenter bee in the United States
There are several species of carpenter bees in the US and they can be found in most areas.

If you believe you have a carpenter bee nest or have seen what you believe to be a male carpenter bee or a female carpenter bee (vs bumblebee), click the right arrow below to read our Carpenter Bee Inspection Guide and learn more about where carpenter bees are found.

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