Spring is when insects return.
Unfortunately, some are destructive such as
wood destroying insects which include carpenter bees.
It's easy to mistake a destructive carpenter bee for an environmentally-friendly bumblebee.
Here's how to make the distinction.
Check out their fuzz
If you look closely at their abdomens, bumblebees have fuzzy abdomens with black and yellow strips while carpenter bees have bare, shiny black abdomens. Carpenter bees have less fuzzy heads with white or cream colored spots whereas bumblebees have fuzzier heads with no spots.
Different nesting sights
Bumblebees make a new nest every year typically in a shady spot underneath woodpiles, compost heaps, heavy brush, thick grass or inside abandoned rodent holes whereas carpenter bees nest in wood creating perfectly drilled 1/2 inch round holes leaving a telltale pile of sawdust from where they drilled.
Pollinator vs pest
All bees, including carpenter bees, are pollinators which makes them great for the environment. But because carpenter bees tunnel into wood, they are extremely destructive to wood structures including homes, garages, fences and outdoor furniture, making this bee species more of a foe than a friend to homeowners.
