They overwinter as juvenile adults in the tunnels from the previous year. They often refurbish old tunnels in preference to boring new ones. The tunnel may be a foot or more in length. The eggs are placed in cells in a tunnel constructed by the bee. The larvae hatch and feed on the pollen and nectar and then pass through the pupal stage.
New adults emerge before cold weather sets in during the early fall.
The female carpenter bee, like many other bees, can sting but it is uncommon for her to do so, and the males do not sting. Screen bees from nesting sites, especially in spring and early summer. Fill holes with putty and repaint as needed. Hanging trap boards may cause bees to use these instead of the wood of the house. Boards may gradually be moved away from the house.