CSU Extension Several kinds of bees can be found in yards. Rarely do these bees sting and cause problems to humans. Bumblebeesare social insects that annually establish new colonies started by single queens. Bumblebee colonies often are underground but occasionally the bees nest in padding material, such as a mattress or in grass clippings. Bumblebees are plump in shape and covered with black and yellow hairs.
Carpenter beesexcavate tunnels in wood where they rear their young.
Actual structural damage to the wood is rare and carpenter bees will not sting unless handled. Carpenter bees closely resemble bumblebees. Carpenter bees are not social, colony-producing bees. Control of bumblebees and carpenter bees rarely is necessary and the nests are soon abandoned. Insecticides useful for wasp control also can kill these bees.