July 12, 2025

As I write this, I’m thinking of those who really dislike Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa).

This is a Tiger Bee Fly (Xenox tigrinus). No need for concern about biting or stinging. They won’t harm you. And if you are looking for a way to control Carpenter Bees, this is a potential native and natural partner in their management. The Tiger Bee Fly is a natural predator of Carpenter Bees. Females lay their eggs in close proximity to the nests of Carpenter Bees. After the fly larvae hatch they will enter the tunnels of the bees and eat the bee larvae or wait until the larvae matures to the pupal stage and then dine on them.

And in defense of Carpenter Bees, they don’t eat the wood that they tunnel through. Their purpose in excavating those tunnels is to create nests for their offspring. And much more important is their role in pollination, not just in our gardens, natural areas, but also on farms. 

_______________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!