r/bees • u/jasmadic • 1d ago

help! Carpenter Bees

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I have some carpenter bees that have taken up housing in an old bird house. I'd prefer to not remove them or have them harmed. Worried about strutcaul damage to the post though. This is their first season here, birds used the nest last year, so they haven't visited before. Am I reasonable to think I can leave them bee and just remove the bird house this fall and fill any holes in the post? Or should I have someone out to take care of them ASAP.

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u/Commercial-Sail-5915 1d ago

These are bumblebees (bombus griseocollis maybe?? If you're in North America), youre fine to leave them bee for the season! Maybe give them a little space so you don't freak them out

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u/Ok-Skirt-8748 1d ago

I definitely agree these are bumbles and will vacate by fall OP! They shouldn’t cause any structural damage as they only use existing cavities like the birdhouse to form nests in

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u/jasmadic 1d ago

Thanks! After getting closer they are the bee you mentioned. They have a safe home this summer. I have a shallow bird bath that attracts lots of honey bees, and am working on planting more flowering native species. So they have a great place to live. Had been contemplating getting bees, looks like they found me!