What direction do female carpenter bees bore their holes in the wood?

Female carpenter bees typically bore their holes in the wood at right angles to the surface. This behavior is characteristic of their nesting habits, as they create cylindrical tunnels within the wood. Boring at a right angle enables them to maximize the use of the wood's structure for building their nests, providing a safe environment for their larvae to develop.

Understanding the anatomy and behavior of carpenter bees can help in managing and mitigating their presence in wooden structures, as they can cause significant damage by hollowing out wood. Recognizing the specific way in which they bore into wood is essential for identifying and addressing infestations effectively.