Which type of wood do carpenter bees prefer?

Carpenter bees have a strong preference for softwoods when it comes to nesting. Their behavior is largely driven by the characteristics of the wood; they are particularly attracted to untreated softwoods like pine, cedar, and redwood. These types of wood are easier for them to excavate, allowing them to create tunnels for nesting and reproduction.

While hardwoods might be used occasionally, they are generally less favored because they are denser and more challenging to bore into. Composite materials and metal are not suitable for their nesting habits at all, as carpenter bees need a natural substrate to create their burrows. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the ecological behavior of carpenter bees in choosing an appropriate medium for their nests.