What is a significant risk associated with carpenter bees?

Carpenter bees pose a significant risk primarily due to their behavior of nesting in wood, which can lead to the weakening of wooden structures. These bees excavate tunnels in untreated wood to create their nests, often in eaves, siding, and decks. Over time, their tunneling can compromise the structural integrity of the wood, leading to potential damage that can be costly to repair.

This aspect of their behavior is particularly concerning in residential settings where structural components, such as support beams or outdoor furniture, could be affected. Unlike other types of bees, carpenter bees do not typically sting unless provoked, and they are not known to transmit diseases to humans, making the risk they pose more structural than medical. Thus, the correct understanding of the risk associated with carpenter bees revolves around their ability to weaken wooden structures through their nesting habits.