Black bees such as carpenter bees and bumblebees are often feared due to their dark coloration and ability to sting. However not all black bees pose the same level of danger. By understanding the differences between species and knowing how to act around them black bees can be safely managed.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees with their fuzzy black abdomens However, carpenter bees have a shiny bald abdomen and nest by burrowing into wood, causing structural damage. Only female carpenter bees can sting, and their stingers are smooth rather than barbed like a honey bee’s stinger This allows them to sting repeatedly.
Male carpenter bees aggressively defend nests but do not have stingers. They may hover around intruders, even making direct contact, but cannot inject venom. Females are not aggressive unless directly threatened at the nest. Their stings are painful but less dangerous than a honey bee’s due to lower venom content.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees are fuzzy all over with yellow and black banding. Nests are built in existing holes, usually underground. Bumblebee stings can be painful but are less venomous than honey bee stings. Fatal reactions are very rare.
Female workers will sting in defense of the nest. Males generally cannot sting but may act aggressive around nest sites. Away from the nest, bumblebees are quite docile and focused on foraging for nectar and pollen.
Honey Bees
Honey bees have alternating bands of yellow and brown/black. Nests are built from wax and housed in tree cavities or manmade hives. Honey bees have barbed stingers that become stuck in the victim’s flesh when stinging, leading to tearing of the stinger and death of the honey bee.
Honey bee venom contains proteins that can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, sometimes leading to anaphylactic shock. Non-allergic individuals may experience intense localized pain, itching, and swelling.
Honey bee workers viciously defend hives, stinging any perceived threat. Away from the nest they are typically peaceful. However, accidental encounters may still lead to stings.
Dealing with Black Bees
Here are some tips for safely dealing with black bees:
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Remain calm and still if a black bee approaches. Swatting will be viewed as aggression.
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Keep nest sites clear of yard activities. Carpenter bees in particular can become defensive near nests.
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Inspect wood structures in spring for new carpenter bee nests and fill holes if found. Traps can also be used.
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Call a beekeeper for humane removal if honey bee hives are spotted on the property. Never disturb them.
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Seek emergency care if stung by multiple bees or if a sting causes severe reactions, difficulty breathing, or swelling.
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Consider carrying epinephrine if you have a known bee sting allergy.
The Bottom Line
While black bees can sting, reactions are rarely life-threatening for non-allergic individuals. Remaining calm, not swatting, and keeping a respectable distance greatly reduces any threat. With proper preventative measures and emergency preparedness, black bees can be safely tolerated. Their essential pollination services far outweigh minimal risks to humans.
But, are these carpenter bees dangerous? Yes! And here are some reasons why:
- Women carpenter bees don’t attack on purpose, but they can sting people and pets if they feel threatened, especially if they think their nesting galleries are in danger. Ladies of the carpenter bee can sting you and leave a red, swollen welt that may hurt for a few days. If you are allergic to bee venom, the sting can be very painful and even kill you in some cases. The male carpenter bees can’t sting, but they can buzz around and be annoying.
- Women carpenter bees will also chew holes in wood while they look for a place to nest and lay their eggs. These amazing carpenters can drill deep holes in wood, damaging the outside of homes, wooden play sets, outbuildings, decks, eaves, and other wood structures. They leave behind sawdust, which is also called “frass.” They lay their eggs in the woods, where they will be safe while the larvae grow. If you get too close, the male carpenter bees will bother you as they buzz around the nesting area to protect it.
If you have a problem with carpenter bees, you should call a professional pest control service to find the bees, look at where they are nesting and how they are living, and come up with a plan to get rid of them quickly and correctly. Here at Witt Pest Management, we can do just that. Our professionals are very skilled and can look at your stinging insect problems and come up with a specific, effective solution. Do not attempt to remove a nest or try to eradicate carpenter bees on your own. It is a dangerous task that requires professional action.
Stung by a GIANT Black Bee!
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