Carpenter Bee Larvae

Natural Habitat

Nesting tunnels bored into softwoods, unfinished or weathered wood such as decks, eaves, and cedar siding.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a mixture of pollen and regurgitated nectar (bee bread) provided by the mother in individual cells.

Behavior Patterns

Solitary insects; females bore tunnels and create partitioned cells for each egg. They do not eat the wood but vibrate their bodies to excavate it.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Important pollinators for many flowers and crops. Risks: Can cause structural cosmetic damage over time. Females can sting if handled, though they are generally non-aggressive.

Identified on: 3/19/2026