I think you're right. It has to be the xenox. Those pics looked just like "my" guy. So what's their deal?

They are parasites of the very Carpenter bees you mentioned. They do show interest in humans, as do several other Anthrax (Where these were formerly placed). I don't know why.

I feel very protective of "our" bees. I tend not to want to interfere with nature but should I off this xenox in this case? Honestly, I don't even know if I could, he's FAST! We have several carpenter bees and I don't want to lose any even if they can be a pain themselves, you know digging into our deck and what not. And pardon my naivety... how exactly does the whole parasite thing work? Do they use a bee as a host?? I know next to nothing about how that stuff works. Thanks Andy! One more thing, if you don't mind... I guess they aren't a threat to humans, just can be bothersome???

They lay eggs in carpenter bee burrows in wood, presumably. The larvae then find their way to the larval bees and slowly suck them dry. Don't go killing any. I have never heard that they devastate host populations. The two will coexist, making things all the richer. And fear not; they cannot harm humans.

I will not bring harm to them. Glad to know also that they will not harm my family and myself. Thanks for all the info! I hated to consider killing the guy.