Carpenter Bee or Bumble Bee: What’s the Difference?

Bees benefit our environment by helping to pollinate flowers, fruits, and vegetables. However, not all bees are the same. Two of the most commonly misidentified bees are carpenter bees and bumble bees. Despite their similar appearance, they are two different types of bees. One of the most obvious differences is that carpenter bees are the ones Lawn Plus Pest Control Services takes care of, while bumble bees are not. But here are some of the ways you can identify whether it’s a carpenter bee or a bumble bee.

Physical Differences

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between carpenter and bumble bees is to look at their physical characteristics. Bumble bees are generally fuzzy, larger, and have yellow and black stripes. On the other hand, carpenter bees are sleeker with shiny, black abdomens.

Nesting Habits

Carpenter bees get their name from burrowing into the wood to establish their nests. They prefer dead, dry wood, and over time, they can cause significant damage to a home’s wooden structures. Conversely, bumble bees make their nests underground or in abandoned rodent dens. If you have holes in the ground, check for bumble bees there.

Buzzing Sound Differences

Bumble bees generally have a quieter buzz compared to carpenter bees. Carpenter bees are known for their loud buzzing sounds, which can be unnerving and cause fear in people. Additionally, male carpenter bees can be aggressive and dive-bomb people who pass close to their nest hole.

Seasonal Behavior

As with many bees, bumble bees will hibernate throughout the winter season. Honey bees will also hibernate, but carpenter bees will pass the winter season as a larva within the wooden nesting tunnels. During the summer, all bees are most active, including carpenter bees. So, this is the best time to take preventative action.

Behavioral Differences

Carpenter bees are naturally solitary and do not form large colonies, unlike their bumble and honey bee cousins. Thus, if you see a large group of bees in one area, chances are they are most likely bumble bees. A carpenter bee will usually work within a few feet of where they have created their nest hole, while bumble bees travel a greater distance to obtain food.

Avoid Carpenter Bees Altogether

While bumble bees are harmless, carpenter bees tend to cause a lot of damage to homes and structures throughout Cincinnati, OH. So, if you’ve identified carpenter bees around your home, then it’s time to call Lawn Plus Pest Control Services. We can even take care of termites and carpenter ants – pests that also cause a lot of wood damage. So, contact us today at (513) 296-7378.