What are carpenter bees primarily known for?

Carpenter bees are primarily known for damaging wood. They are unique among bees in that they nest in wood by tunneling into it, which can lead to significant structural damage if infestations occur. The female carpenter bee creates tunnels in untreated or decaying wood to lay her eggs, and this behavior can compromise the integrity of structures such as wooden decking, fences, and eaves.

While carpenter bees can play a role in pollination, which is a notable behavior among many bee species, it is not their most defining characteristic. They do not create honey like honeybees, and while they can sting, their sting is not typically aggressive or a significant concern for humans. Thus, the primary impact and notable behavior of carpenter bees in a pest control context is their ability to damage wood through their nesting habits.