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Carpenter Bees #751108

Asked May 20, 2021, 2:56 PM EDT

This is the 3rd day in a row I have captured a large carpenter be in our home. We had our roof replaced in April so we exposed openings. We have no wood on the exterior. This happened to us last time we had an open air construction project over 30 years ago. My question is how do I find a nest that is obviously inside my home?

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.

The male is the wanderer.  The female is not. This is how to tell them apart. https://bestbeebrothers.com/blogs/blog/male-vs-female-carpenter-bees#:~:text=The%20key%20difference%20is%20the,in%20their%20tunnel%20and%20die

Chase the male to the nest. https://sciencing.com/carpenter-bee-nest-5583265.html

Carpenter bees do not make hives. 

Common Eastern Bumble Bee https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Common-Eastern-Bumble-Bee

The two can be distinguished. https://beehivehero.com/bumble-bee-vs-carpenter-bee/  
Finding 3 in 3 days is a bit odd.

Anyway, you have some clues on finding the home.

Keep in mind that the carpenter bee is an important pollinator that does not sting.  Pollinators are critically important to gardens, the urban landscape and for food. They are disappearing. https://extension.psu.edu/the-eastern-carpenter-bee-beneficial-pollinator-or-unwelcome-houseguest#:~:text=Carpenter%20bees%20are%20important%20pollinators,bees%20such%20as%20carpenter%20bees

Thanks for the quick answer. We have been releasing them outside after catching them.

On Thu, May 20, 2021, 2:57 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2021, 4:54 PM EDT

That is nice to know. There are people whose first response is to reach for a spray can.

Best to you on finding the dwelling.

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