As a homeowner, nothing is more annoying than finding insects invading your personal space. Small black bees buzzing around indoors can be especially bothersome. While your first instinct may be to swat them, take a closer look before you do. Those little black bees could actually be helping your garden! Here’s what you need to know about identifying and managing small black bees in your house.
What Are Those Small Black Bees?
Many small black bees are actually native solitary bees, meaning they don’t live in hives like honeybees. Here are some of the most common types found around homes:
Yellow-Masked Bees
Yellow-masked bees (Hylaeus species) are sleek and hairless with yellow or white markings on their faces and legs. Females carry pollen internally in their crop instead of on their legs. There are around 20 species native to North America.
Small Carpenter Bees
Despite the name small carpenter bees (Ceratina species) are tiny reaching only 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. They are a metallic blue or green color and have a distinctive tapered abdomen. Look for a small yellow dot on their faces. Their nests are made in hollow plant stems or wood.
Furrow Bees
Furrow bees (Halictus species) are chunky, fuzzy bees about 1/2 inch long. They can be identified by the white stripes on their abdomens. They nest underground, forming small colonies.
Lasioglossum Bees
This huge group of small bees has over 1,600 species in North America alone. They vary greatly in appearance but most have a tapered head and metallic black body. Lasioglossum are probably the most common backyard bee.
Why Are They In My House?
While we typically think of bees living in hives or underground nests, some species occasionally find their way indoors, especially in springtime. There are a few reasons you may see small black bees in your house:
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Seeking shelter – Bees may fly inside if they are caught in a storm and need temporary shelter.
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Looking for food – Bees forage on flower nectar but will also sip water from sinks and showers.
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Accidental entry – Open windows and doors can allow bees to inadvertently fly into your home.
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Nesting – Carpenter bees may try to nest in exposed wood inside your home. Holes from old exit points can attract new nesters.
Bee Identification Tips
Identifying the type of bee can provide clues into why they are entering your home and the best removal methods. Here are some tips:
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Observe size – Larger bees over 1/2 inch long are likely bumblebees, while smaller bees under 1/4 inch are probably Lasioglossum or Ceratina.
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Check for markings – Yellow or white facial markings indicate yellow-masked or small carpenter bees.
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Examine the abdomen – A parallel-sided tapered abdomen is characteristic of small carpenter bees.
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Note fuzzy bodies – Lots of dense hair signifies Halictus furrow bees.
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Watch flight behavior – Repeatedly flying at windows indicates nest-seeking by carpenter bees.
Bee Control and Removal
Before taking any actions, identify what type of bee you are dealing with. Honeybees and bumblebees are declining and should always be safely removed and relocated by a beekeeper. Beneficial small black bees can be gently encouraged to leave. Here are some effective techniques:
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Install screens – Cover vent holes or block gaps around windows to prevent entry.
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Use fans – A strong fan blowing outward will guide bees to exit open doors or windows.
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Apply repellents – Citronella oil, mint oil, or mosquito repellents may deter bees from entering.
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Remove attractions – Fix any leaks and clean countertops to eliminate water sources.
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Turn off lights – Night lighting attracts some night-foraging bees, so turn lights off or use sodium vapor bulbs.
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Seal nesting sites – Fill small holes and crevices in wooden overhangs outdoors where carpenter bees nest.
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Consider bee houses – Offer alternative nesting sites away from your home to distract bees from entering.
When To Call An Expert
While solitary bees don’t tend to sting around their nests, carpenter bees can be aggressive if threatened. Their repeated attempts at boring into wood can also damage your home’s exterior. If you spot carpenter bees excavating around your house or are uncomfortable with bees inside, consult a pest management professional. They can apply targeted treatments and properly seal entry points.
The occasional small black bee flying through your living room is no cause for alarm. Take a closer look to identify the species before reacting. With some tweaking around your home and garden, you can redirect them away from your indoor living space. Taking time to recognize the diversity of bees around us will help you appreciate the vital ecosystem services even these tiniest pollinators provide.
What Are Black Carpenter Bees?
Another big type of bee that lives in the United States is the black carpenter bee. You can often find them in the Greater Houston area. People often mistake black carpenter bees for bumblebees because they look a lot alike. However, black carpenter bees are almost entirely black. They also have a bare and shiny abdomen instead of a fuzzy one. Like bumblebees, carpenter bees help pollinate plants, particularly flowers and vegetables.
Carpenter bees are solitary, which means they live alone in small nests and don’t have a strict social structure or way of dividing up work. However, this does not mean that they live totally alone. Females often live in small groups, and carpenter bees also tend to like to nest near others. This leads to growing infestations as more generations build nests in the same area.
Where Do Black Carpenter Bees Live?
Carpenter bees get their name from their preferred nesting area. They like to dig tunnels in wood, particularly weathered and exposed wood. One black carpenter bee’s nest can be six to ten inches long, so they often do expensive damage to decks, wooden siding, and other things that look nice.
Black carpenter bees have a wide range, but they are particularly prevalent in southern and southwestern states. This includes most of Texas, including Houston and the surrounding areas.
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FAQ
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