What Are the Big Black Bees in Arizona?
What Are the Big Black Bees in Arizona?
If you’ve seen a large, black bee buzzing around your backyard or boring into wood, you’re not alone. Many Arizona homeowners spot these sizable, solitary bees during spring and summer and wonder:
“What are those big black bees in Arizona—and should I be concerned?”
At Phoenix Pest & Termite Control, we get this question often—and the answer might surprise you. Let’s take a closer look at what these bees are, why they’re on your property, and what (if anything) you should do about them.
Meet the Carpenter Bee: Arizona’s Big Black Bee
Those large, black bees you’re seeing are most likely carpenter bees—specifically from the Xylocopa genus. These solitary bees are commonly found in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and throughout the Sonoran Desert.
What Do Carpenter Bees Look Like?
- Size: Large—typically ¾ inch to 1 inch long
- Color: Shiny black body with a hairless abdomen (unlike fuzzy bumblebees)
- Markings: Some females and males may have yellow fuzz on their thorax
- Behavior: Often seen hovering near wood fences, eaves, or decks
Male carpenter bees (which can’t sting) tend to be more territorial, often “guarding” the area by flying close to people—but don’t worry, it’s mostly a bluff.
Do Carpenter Bees Sting or Bite?
Yes, female carpenter bees can sting, but they’re generally non-aggressive and will only sting if provoked or handled. Males, although bold in their hovering behavior, do not have stingers.
Most encounters with carpenter bees are harmless, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore their activity—especially if they’re boring into wood.
Why Are Carpenter Bees Drilling into My Wood?
Carpenter bees get their name from their ability to drill perfectly round holes into wood to create nesting galleries. In Arizona, they often target:
- Wood eaves and fascia boards
- Pergolas and patio beams
- Wooden fencing
- Deck rails and trim
- Exposed wood around windows and doors
They prefer untreated or unpainted wood, which is softer and easier to burrow into.
Over time, repeated nesting activity can lead to:
- Structural damage from multiple tunnels
- Weakening of beams and railings
- Increased attraction of woodpeckers, which feed on the larvae
- Staining from bee waste beneath the entry holes
Are Carpenter Bees Harmful to My Home?
While one or two carpenter bees might not seem like a big deal, a recurring infestation can cause real damage—especially if bees return year after year to the same wooden structures.
You may notice:
- Perfectly round holes about ½ inch in diameter
- Piles of sawdust (“frass”) beneath the holes
- Bee droppings staining the walls or trim below
- Buzzing or scraping sounds inside beams or eaves
If left untreated, these signs can lead to costly wood repair and pest control issues.
How to Prevent Carpenter Bees in Arizona
Preventing carpenter bees starts with making your home less attractive to them. Here are a few tips:
🪵 Paint or seal exposed wood – Bees are far less likely to drill into treated wood
🔍 Inspect wood surfaces regularly in spring and early summer
🧼 Fill old nesting holes with wood filler and repaint
🌿 Limit nesting access by adding mesh or screening to vulnerable areas
Still seeing bees? It might be time for professional help.
Do I Need Professional Bee Control for Carpenter Bees?
While carpenter bees aren’t as dangerous as wasps or aggressive Africanized honeybees, their nesting behavior can lead to property damage over time. If you notice repeated activity around your home, a professional inspection can help determine:
- Whether the bees are actively nesting
- The extent of wood damage
- If treatment or deterrents are needed to prevent future infestations
At Phoenix Pest & Termite Control, we offer customized bee inspections and control options to address the issue safely and effectively—especially in neighborhoods where wood-framed patios, fences, or decks are common.
Those large black bees hovering around your porch or deck are likely carpenter bees—solitary pollinators that bore into wood to lay their eggs. While they’re not typically aggressive, their nesting habits can lead to structural damage if left unchecked.
If you’ve spotted carpenter bee activity around your home in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, or anywhere in the East Valley, it’s worth having a professional pest expert evaluate the situation.
Schedule Your Bee Inspection Today
Got buzzing and boring around your home? Let us help you identify and eliminate the problem before it becomes a major repair project.
📞 Call Phoenix Pest & Termite Control at 602-252-4212
📧 Email us at [email protected]
Local. Experienced. Trusted. We’re your first line of defense against Arizona’s toughest pests—including the big black bees.