If you’re a homeowner with a wood deck or fence chances are you’ve been buzzed by the growing carpenter bee population. They are big, black, mostly smooth, and very standoffish critters that do not like to have their territory disturbed.
They are the first of the bees to start showing up in early spring and this year there have been plenty.
The carpenter bees build their nest in soft wood like cedar, which many folks use for deck and fences. They carve out a perfect 3/8′ hole. And then dig a channel deep inside where the female lays her eggs.
Most of the time, it’s the males that we faceoff with after disturbing their home. But it’s the females you really need to watch out for.
It is pretty rare that you would get stung. The females are the only ones that have a stinger. If you were messing around with her maybe put your hand out when you’re fixing the hole you’re treating. It`s possible you might get stung.
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