In Southern and Appalachian speech, a "borer bee" is a carpenter bee - a large bee that bores holes into wood. The name comes from their habit of drilling into porches, barns, and fence posts.
Those bees that mess up the deck - we've always called 'em 'borer bees.' This one's common.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Those bees that mess up the deck - we've always called 'em 'borer bees.' This one's common.
Pronunciation
[BOHR-ur bee] /ˈbɔːr.ər biː/
Meaning & Usage
- Carpenter bee (noun, dialect)
Everyday use
Clara:
What’s that loud buzzin’ on the porch?
Elmer:
Just a borer bee makin’ another hole in the railin’.
variations: carpenter bee, wood bee, wood borer
Origin and Etymology
The name borer bee comes from the insect’s habit of boring into wood to build nests. While the standard name is carpenter bee, the Southern and Appalachian nickname reflects plain description of what they do. It has been in regional use for generations.
Usage Notes
Borer bee is the Southern/Appalachian name for the carpenter bee.
Commonly used in rural households where the bees drill into barns, houses, and porches.
Also called wood bees or wood borers in some areas.
It’s the Southern/Appalachian name for the carpenter bee, which bores into wood to make nests.
Do borer bees sting?
Male carpenter bees can’t sting. Females can, but they rarely do unless provoked.
Why do Southerners call them "borer bees"?
Because they bore holes into wood - the name is descriptive and plain-spoken.
Is "borer bee" used outside the South?
Not often. Elsewhere, people usually call them "carpenter bees."
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 2). Borer Bee. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/borer-bee
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Borer Bee." HillbillySlang.com, 2 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/borer-bee.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Borer Bee." HillbillySlang.com. October 2, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/borer-bee.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
Those bees that mess up the deck - we've always called 'em 'borer bees.' This one's common. 
