Do Carpenter Bees Produce Honey?

Carpenter bees are sturdy, solitary insects found across the U.S., Canada, and Hawaii. Unlike social bees, they carve tunnels into wood to build their nests. Males are known for their striking orange-and-black coloring, while females have shiny, dark abdomens.

But here’s a question many people ask: Do carpenter bees produce honey, and can you profit from keeping them?

With over 20,000 species of bees in the world, it’s easy to get confused about which ones actually make honey. If you’re curious whether carpenter bees are among nature’s honey producers like the common honey bee, you’re in the right place. This post will break down the facts and tell you whether any species of carpenter bees make honey that humans can use.

Are Carpenter Bees Honey-Makers: The Truth About This Possibility

Unlike honey bees, most carpenter bees don’t produce honey. These solitary insects live very different lives—they’re strong pollinators that gather pollen and nectar from flowers purely for energy. Nectar acts as their primary fuel, powering them through their independent journeys as they help pollinate plants across gardens and forests.

However, there’s one fascinating exception: the blue carpenter bee (Xylocopa caerulea), a rare species found in Southeast Asia. This stunning bee does produce honey, though not the kind you’re used to.

Their honey is much thicker and denser, with a texture closer to cookie dough or peanut butter. These bees mix the honey with pollen to create a rich substance known as ambrosia, which they use to feed their young.

What do Blue Carpenter Bees Look Like?

Physically, blue carpenter bees stand out with their vibrant blue thorax, which instantly sets them apart from the more common yellow-and-black species. Add in their impressive size, growing up to 28mm in length, and their shimmering abdomens, and it’s easy to see why they can look so striking (and a bit intimidating) as they buzz around your home.

Keep Blue Carpenter Bees Away From Your Property

Although blue carpenter bees are rare and eye-catching, they can sting, making them unwanted visitors to anyone's garden. If you're ready to eliminate these annoying pests, you need help from the seasoned experts at Bee's N Things. Contact us now, and we'll develop an effective preventive strategy tailored to your unique situation.