Carpenter bee/ Bumblebee

1. What’s the difference between carpenter bees and bumble bees?

Although they are often confused, carpenter bees and bumble bees behave very differently. Bumble bees usually nest underground, while carpenter bees tunnel directly into wood to create nesting chambers.

Carpenter bees are also much more territorial around structures and are commonly found hovering near decks, awnings, soffits, and wood siding.

2. Where do bumble bees nest?

Bumble bees typically nest underground in protected areas around the property. Common nesting locations include:

• Under decks or sheds
• Beneath loose grass or landscaping
• Under lawnmowers or equipment left outside
• In abandoned rodent burrows

Because these nests are hidden, homeowners often discover them only after disturbing the area and noticing increased bee activity.

3. Where do carpenter bees nest?

Carpenter bees burrow directly into wood surfaces to create tunnels and nesting chambers. They commonly target:

• Wood soffits
• Awnings
• Decks and fences
• Wood siding and trim

They create nearly perfect round holes and tunnel deep into the wood, forming chamber-like nesting areas inside.

4. Do carpenter bees damage wood?

Yes. Carpenter bees can cause significant damage over time if left untreated. Their tunneling weakens wood structures and repeated nesting in the same area can expand existing damage.

In many homes across Durham Region, carpenter bees repeatedly return to untreated soffits, siding, and wooden trim year after year.

5. Why are carpenter bees hovering around my deck or roof?

Male carpenter bees are highly territorial and often hover near nesting areas to guard the entrance while females remain inside building or protecting the nest.

Although males cannot sting, their aggressive hovering behaviour can make homeowners uncomfortable and is usually a sign of nearby nesting activity.

6. What are the signs of a carpenter bee infestation?

Common signs include:

• Perfectly round holes in wood surfaces
• Sawdust-like material below holes
• Bees hovering around soffits, awnings, or decks
• Increased bee activity around wooden structures

Over time, multiple holes may appear as the infestation expands.

7. Are carpenter bees or bumble bees dangerous?

Both species are generally less aggressive than wasps or yellow jackets, but they can still become defensive near their nests.

Ground nests created by bumble bees may become dangerous if accidentally disturbed during lawn care or outdoor activity. Carpenter bees are more of a structural concern due to the damage they cause to wood.

8. Can I remove carpenter bees or bumble bees myself?

DIY treatment is often ineffective because nests are difficult to fully eliminate without the proper products and application methods.

For carpenter bees, treating only the visible hole usually does not eliminate the entire nest system inside the wood. Bumble bee nests underground can also be difficult to locate completely. Affordable Pest Control are licensed professionals who are experts are carpenter bee and bumble bee removal in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and beyond.

9. How do professionals remove carpenter bees and bumble bees?

Professional treatment may involve:

• Applying specialized sprays or insecticidal dusts
• Treating nesting chambers directly
• Spraying surrounding areas to discourage returning activity
• Recommending repairs or sealing damaged wood when necessary

Proper treatment focuses on eliminating active nests while reducing the chance of reinfestation.

10. Will carpenter bees return after treatment?

Yes—if the area is not properly treated or repaired. Carpenter bees are known to return to previously damaged wood year after year.

Treating surrounding areas and repairing or sealing exposed wood surfaces helps prevent future nesting activity. All of our carpenter bee and bumble bee removal in Durham Region is guaranteed so if this does happen, we will happily come back for free!