What level of damage do carpenter bees typically cause?

Carpenter bees typically exhibit behavior that leads to limited damage, primarily involving the creation of tunnels in wood for nesting purposes. Unlike other wood-destroying insects, such as termites, carpenter bees do not consume the wood as a food source; rather, they excavate it to create their nests. As a result, the damage they inflict is generally not extensive and often does not compromise the structural integrity of the wood significantly.

The term "seldom extensive damage" accurately reflects the reality that while carpenter bees can cause some degradation of wood, it is usually localized and not on a large scale. This contrasts with other pests that can cause severe or extensive damage to structures, making it an important distinction in understanding the impact of carpenter bees in comparison to other wood-destroying organisms. Their impact is more of a nuisance, attracting attention due to their presence rather than leading to significant structural concerns in most cases.