Wood bees, specifically carpenter bees, drill holes in wood using their strong mandibles. They do not have teeth but use these mandibles in a circular chewing motion to bore into wood surfaces such as decks, siding, and furniture

. The female carpenter bee initiates the hole by chewing into the wood about half an inch deep, then turns to tunnel along the grain of the wood, creating a network of internal tunnels and chambers where she lays eggs

. The process involves:

• Selecting a suitable wood site, often bare, unpainted, and weathered softwoods like cedar, pine, or redwood

• Using powerful mandibles to chew a round entrance hole approximately half an inch in diameter

• Drilling straight in a short distance, then turning to tunnel horizontally with the grain for several inches, sometimes up to 6-8 inches long

• Creating individual cells inside the tunnel by packing sawdust and frass, where she deposits pollen balls and lays eggs

• Sealing the entrance after provisioning the nest to protect the developing larvae

The female carpenter bee’s mandibles are adapted to chew wood fibers efficiently, enabling her to excavate these tunnels without teeth. The buzzing sound sometimes heard is from the bee vibrating at a high speed to aid in boring

. This drilling is not for feeding on wood but for creating a nursery for offspring

. In summary, carpenter bees drill holes by mechanically chewing wood with their strong mandibles in circular motions, creating tunnels for nesting rather than consuming the wood itself