Carpenter bees get their name from the ability of the female to bore into wood. The female then builds six to eight cells off the main tunnel and lays an egg in each. Larvae become adults by late August and September, but do not emerge until the following spring. Individual holes may not cause much damage but cumulative effects of numbers of bees can weaken structures. Wood surfaces can be painted to make them less attractive to bees.
Stains seem to have little effect.
Insecticides can be used to treat openings. A flurry of wings has grabbed the public's attention. Whereas butterflies are active during daylight hours, moths are generally, though not exclusively, nighttime fliers. Some moths can be seen foraging during daylight hours. Many people know that moths and butterflies are not cause for concern when it comes to damaging plants.