Carpenter bees earned their name from boring holes into wood. This is typically noticed on exterior features of a home, such as eaves, door frames, or siding. Larger than your average bee, these insects are often confused with the friendly bumble bee. They can be distinguished by their smooth and sleek abdomens, which is unlike the bumble bee. The carpenter bee also generally has a fuzzy yellow thorax with a black dot in the middle.  

In addition to a sighting of a carpenter bee, signs of infestation will include round, smooth holes in wooden structures. Although territorial, the male carpenter bee does not sting, and the female only stings on very rare occasions. Treating an infestation is primarily to protect one’s property from extensive damage.