The bees are black and yellow, similar in appearance to bumblebees. They have a cylindrical shape rather than being spherical like bumblebees. They are about 0.50 inches (13 mm) long. They are not as hairy as bumblebees, and have a bald black rear end. The easiest way to tell carpenter bees apart from other types of bee is by their behaviour. They are also attracted to wood, where they get their name. Carpenter bees are relatively docile and rarely sting humans unless they feel threatened.