OPM Termite Practice Exam

What is true about Carpenter Bees?

1. They cause serious damage to structures

2. They present no serious damage

3. They primarily feed on wood

4. They build large colonies underground

The correct answer is: They present no serious damage

Carpenter bees are known for their nesting habits, which involve boring small holes into wood to create their nests. However, although they do create tunnels in wood, this activity generally does not lead to significant structural damage, especially compared to other wood-boring insects like termites. Carpenter bees primarily utilize soft, weathered wood for nesting rather than causing extensive destruction. Their impact is more related to cosmetic damage rather than structural integrity, which aligns with the idea that they present no serious damage. In terms of their diet, carpenter bees do not primarily feed on wood; instead, their diet consists mainly of nectar and pollen from flowers, which they collect to feed themselves and their young. Furthermore, while they do create nests in wood, they do not build large colonies underground; carpenter bees are solitary insects, with females creating individual nests rather than establishing large colonies. This behavior further supports the understanding that carpenter bees are not as destructive as some other pests.