Carpenter bees are considered a pest because of their damage to unfinished wood, especially when the activity occurs over many years. They are especially a problem in eaves, decks, and window sills. Females excavate galleries in the wood, starting first with an entry hole and then turning to tunnel with the grain of the wood. Tunnels are up to 6 inches in length initially and are the width of the female carpenter bee. Food is deposited into the galleries and eggs are deposited. Male carpenter bees are seen hovering about the tunnels to protect the developing young. While they can be aggressive to intruders, the males do not sting. Females are equipped with a stinger, but rarely sting. Carpenter bees are considered to be beneficial insects as they pollinate flowers