Mason bees don't drill holes, they find established holes, I can't say I've ever seen a bee drill a hole, but I wouldn't think it would be good.

Yes, those are carpenter bees. Very large bumble type bees. I don't believe they sting. They are not agressive. They like to hover while looking for a mate. (My brother and I used to use badmitten rackets to swat them while they hovered.)

They are not good for your house. You could spray something around your eves to discourage them. I sometimes spray WD40 in the holes if I can reach them. I sometimes just plug the hole with hardwood dowel. They can't chew through the hardwood.

Thanks! I feel bad about wanting to eliminate them, but jeez I have 12 acres here that we have kept most of it natural. I'd be fine with them if they would just drill somewhere else!
Guess I'm on eviction duty tomorrow.
Annette