Do I Have Male or Female Carpenter Bees?

Ever wondered how to tell the difference between male and female bees? For most people, they appear almost the same, but they exhibit a few distinguishable features that assist you in identification.

You don't have to be a bee expert to understand their contrasting looks and roles. If you’re looking for the answer to the ‘what is attracting my carpenter bees’  question, you’re in the right place. This blog will explain the key physical characteristics and behavioral patterns to look out for.

Male Carpenter Bees are Territorial Yet Harmless

You've just approached a carpenter bee. Did it appear friendly and come to visit you? Or did it start chasing you and following you around? You can tell that you have a male carpenter bee in front of you by monitoring its actions. When a homeowner or gardener steps outside, they'll buzz at you or maintain eye contact to show you that you’re on their territory.

You may be thinking that we're just giving human characteristics to them, but this is precisely how these insects act. They tend to be curious, aggressive and territorial, but won't do you any harm. You can also distinguish them by the white spot on their heads.

Male carpenter bees don’t have a stinger, but they wouldn't tolerate another male bee in their place. He’ll hover around nests, plants, or structures to defend their territory from others. Conversely, if there's a female bee nearby, the testosterone-driven male will attempt to mate. 

But he won’t jump to her right away. Nor will he attack you to showcase his masculinity. He will be flying around and buzzing threateningly, but he won’t attack.

They do this early in spring when female bees go out of their tunnels and start mating. When male bees get what they want, they'll watch over the outside of the nesting area. That's to safeguard it from perceived rivals.

Female Carpenter Bees Create Their Nests

Do you notice a carpenter bee using its mighty mandible for drilling perfect, round holes? Are the tunnels it excavates small enough for only them to fit? That’s a female carpenter bee in the process of creating one of their 10-foot-long galleries.

They build these nests to store food, protect themselves from enemies, and create baby carpenter bees. Yep. They'll dig holes in wood, and create a ball of bee bread using a mixture of nectar and pollen. Finally, she'll lay her eggs on top of it and be safe until the larvae grow.

Unlike their male counterparts, however, females can sting and release bee venom, but they will do that only if they are molested by the other party, or when someone tries to destroy their gallery. As long as you come in peace, they will be peaceful too.

If you’re tempted by their work ethic and skills, the good news is that you can freely take pictures of the whole act from a distance without getting a red swollen welt.

Male vs Female Carpenter Bees: Physical Characteristics

Let's have a look at the physical characteristics of female and male bees, regarding their types and gender.

• Xylocopa virginica: All it takes is a glance at the face of the eastern carpenter bee, and you'll know its gender. Female specimens have a purely black face, and the male ones have white markings on them.

• Xylocopa varipuncta: Valley carpenter bees differ radically. The females are fully black, while the males have a golden-orange color, with bushy legs and a greenish gaze.

In some species, like Xylocopa valga and Xylocopa sinensis, the females are 3-4 mm longer than males.

Bee-Free Time With Bee's N Things

Concerned about protecting yourself from bees, but want to ensure you're using the right method? With a 5 to 15-foot range of effectiveness, our carpenter bee traps are among the best in the market, and the one for you. Made to resemble bees' nests, they have an attached jar that precisely collects pests. What's even better, they don't require upkeep or bait.

So, why wait? Order your carpenter bee trap from Bee’s N Things now, and it will destroy all the threatening carpenter bees that come your way!