Carpenter bees are not typically dangerous to humans because they are not aggressive insects. Only female carpenter bees can sting, and they rarely do so unless directly handled or threatened. Males, which are often seen hovering near nests, may appear territorial but lack stingers entirely. Unlike social bees (like honeybees or wasps), carpenter bees are solitary and do not defend their nests aggressively. However, if a female does sting, it is usually mild—comparable to a minor pinch—unless the person has an allergy, in which case medical attention may be needed.

While carpenter bees pose little threat to people, they can be damaging to property. These bees bore into untreated or weathered wood to create tunnels for nesting, which can weaken structures like decks, eaves, fences, and wooden furniture over time. Unlike termites, they don’t consume the wood but excavate it, leaving behind sawdust and round entry holes. If left unchecked, repeated nesting can lead to significant structural damage. Additionally, their presence may attract woodpeckers that peck at the wood to eat the larvae, worsening the damage.