Carpenter Bee vs. Bumble Bee Identification At first glance, carpenter bees and bumble bees look similar, but there are a few key differences that set them apart.

Unlike bumble bees, carpenter bees have smooth, shiny backs, so you will not see any fuzzy hair growing. If you can get a look at the bee's abdomen (belly), look for a blackish-blue color.

Carpenter bees use their powerful jaws to burrow into wood, leaving "siding, sheds, garages, playsets and wooden patio furniture scattered with ugly holes," according to AAI Pest Control in Modesto.

Carpenter bees sometimes are mistaken for bumble bees, which have a similar appearance. A carpenter bee is about ¾ to 1-inch long and nest in excavated tunnels in wood.

Carpenter bees are searching for 1/2-inch diameter entry holes to use for nesting. This can be exploited through the use of carpenter bee or wood bee traps; search the Internet for those key words ...

More often than not, these bees are completely harmless to people. Carpenter bees don’t sting very often, but if you do happen to get stung, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.

Unlike bumble bees, carpenter bees have smooth, shiny backs, so you will not see any fuzzy hair growing. If you can get a look at the bee's abdomen (belly), look for a blackish-blue color.

Unlike bumble bees, carpenter bees have smooth, shiny backs, so you will not see any fuzzy hair growing. If you can get a look at the bee's abdomen (belly), look for a blackish-blue color.