Carpenter Bee on Deck: Male Guarding Nest, Harmless

Large yellow/black bee hovering, darting at deck = male carpenter bee guarding nest in wood. Shiny black abdomen, fuzzy thorax. Cannot sting. Wind disrupts nesting.

Resolution

1. Wait for calm weather—bee finishes nest, stops patrolling.
2. Fill holes in fall with wood putty.
3. Paint/stain wood deters future nesting.
4. No control needed—pollinator.

Child safe—male has no stinger.