We have a lot of Carpenters around here. They become so accustomed to me working around them outside and they are so docile, I've come to think of them almost as pets. I am wondering if their presence deters honeybees? I certainly hope not.

I did a quick search on the subject and couldn't find anything that indicates they deter the honey bees. The only thing I found so far is that since they tend to rob the flowers by cutting a slit in the sides of the bloom they could prevent the plant from being pollinated because they've took the nectar.

Interesting, Mindy. I hadn't read about that. I did notice we had more honeybees this year than last, but, of course, all the things I've planted the past two years are beginning to mature, multiplying, and I have a lot more things blooming. I enjoy the Carpenters.

Another question: do raccoons bother or try to rob bee hives? Does anything else bother them?

Never mind, I just read that they do (skunks too). That would make a big difference where I could put a hive. Back to the drawing board.

Yes raccoons do bother the hives but a heavy weight on top of the hive helps deter them.
Hive stands are your defense against the skunks.

If you haven't checked it out yet here's the Honey Bee Pests thread in Beekeeping forum
The thread "Honey bee Pests" in Beekeeping forum