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The roofline of a two-story Tennessee home with a brick chimney fitted with a stainless steel chimney cap, clean gutters and tree limbs hanging near the eaves, bright blue sky.

Wildlife of Tennessee · Stinging Insects

Carpenter Bee in Tennessee

Tunnels weaken wood over time, and woodpeckers tear it up chasing larvae. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Call us today615-357-7797
A carpenter bee hovering at a round hole in a weathered wooden deck rail in Tennessee, macro photo, sharp.

At a Glance

About the Carpenter Bee

Stinging insects build nests in eaves, walls and the ground. Nests grow all summer, and stings can be dangerous for anyone who is allergic.

We Remove It

Risk: Tunnels weaken wood over time, and woodpeckers tear it up chasing larvae.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameXylocopa virginica
Size3/4 to 1 inch
Where it shows upFascia, eaves, decks, railings and outdoor furniture
When it is activeSpring through summer

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a carpenter bee.

  • Perfect round half-inch holes in wood trim and decks
  • Piles of coarse sawdust on the ground below
  • Large bees hovering around the eaves

How We Handle It

What We Do About the Carpenter Bee

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Check eaves, sheds and decks each spring
  • Remove small nests early
  • Seal wall holes that let colonies in
  • Keep trash and sweet drinks covered outdoors

Similar Animals

More Stinging Insects

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

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Good to Know

Questions About Carpenter Bee

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a carpenter bee?

Common signs: perfect round half-inch holes in wood trim and decks; piles of coarse sawdust on the ground below; large bees hovering around the eaves.

Is a carpenter bee dangerous?

Tunnels weaken wood over time, and woodpeckers tear it up chasing larvae. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a carpenter bee?

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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