carpenter bee

noun

: any of various solitary bees (genera Xylocopa and Ceratina) that nest in wood

Examples of carpenter bee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web No matter the wood type, weather, especially extreme temperatures, which cause wood to expand and contract, increasing the risk of moisture incursion, can adversely affect the lifespan—as can common wood-loving pests like termites and carpenter bees. Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2024 How to Get Rid of Pests in Your Home What attracts carpenter bees? Carpenter bees emerge in spring to mate. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024 Preventing carpenter bees from returning involves several proactive measures. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024 While not all bees sting, honeybees, carpenter bees and bumblebees are among bee species that can sting. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 15 June 2024 The lifespan of a carpenter bee varies depending on the species and environmental factors, but according to the U.S. Forest Service, adult carpenter bees can live up to three years. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 13 May 2024 Common bee species include mason bees, bumblebees, carpenter bees, leafcutter bees and sweat bees, according to the city. Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 21 May 2024 Solitary bees, the female bees build tunnels in wood for their nests, laying eggs for the next generation of carpenter bees. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 24 Apr. 2024 Known for nesting in wood, carpenter bees are not aggressive but can damage wooden structures. The Arizona Republic, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carpenter bee.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carpenter bee was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near carpenter bee

Cite this Entry

“Carpenter bee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carpenter%20bee. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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