Carpenter bees surface in spring searching for mates and agreeable sites to make their nests. Male carpenter bees lack stingers but female carpenter bees sting. Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees but are larger with black abdomens. Bumblebees have yellow abdominal markings.

Carpenter bees tunnel into wood to lay their eggs. Decks are common nesting sites.

The entrance hole and tunnels are perfectly round and appear as if man made with a drill. Coarse sawdust beneath the entry hole alerts the homeowner. Burrowing sounds may be heard from within the wood.

An insecticide is effective treatment followed by plugging the entrance hole.