Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

What do carpenter bees primarily do?

1. Pollinate flowers

2. Bore tunnels into wood

3. Build nests underground

4. Live in colonies in trees

The correct answer is: Bore tunnels into wood

Carpenter bees primarily bore tunnels into wood. Unlike many other bees, carpenter bees do not create hives or live in colonies; instead, they generally nest alone in the wood of trees, structures, or other wooden materials. Their nesting behavior involves drilling circular holes into wood, which serves as both a home and a place to store eggs. The tunnels are typically quite neat and can cause significant damage to wooden structures over time if not managed properly. While carpenter bees do contribute to the pollination of flowers, this is not their primary activity; it is more of a secondary benefit of their foraging behavior. They do not build nests underground, nor do they inhabit colonies in trees, as some other bee species do. Therefore, the essential characteristic of carpenter bees is their wood-boring behavior, which is critical for understanding their role in the ecosystem and the potential impact they can have on wooden structures.