Bees - Bee Facts

Carpenter bees,  Xylocopa,  construct their nests by burrowing into wood or structural timbers to create a series of tunnels.  As they do not consume the wood but discard it or use it to form tunnel partitions, they often leave a residue of sawdust behind marking   the site of their tunnel homes.  Within this intricate tunnel system, the females live together creating a social group.  While capable of stinging, the female bees are docile and rarely sting unless provoked.  Wasps, of the order Hymenoptera, produce nests from chewed up wood fibers.  Common nest locations are under eaves.  Mud daubers construct mud tubes in more sheltered wall areas.  In addition to structural damage bees in general can cause, they also can sting producing allergic reactions in people sensitive to their bites.