Getting Rid of Carpenter Bees Guide
At The Other Bee Guy, we’ve spent years helping homeowners and businesses manage bee challenges safely and responsibly. One of the most common concerns we see during the warmer months is carpenter bees. While these bees are essential pollinators, their habit of drilling into wood can cause costly damage to your home or structures. In this guide, we’ll share our experience and expertise on how to identify carpenter bee activity, what makes them unique, and the best approaches to controlling or removing them without harming the environment.
Understanding Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumblebees because of their large, black-and-yellow bodies. The key difference is that carpenter bees prefer to tunnel into wood to create their nests, while bumblebees live in the ground. When you notice bees hovering around decks, siding, or wooden beams, there’s a good chance they are carpenter bees.
We’ve seen countless homes where small, round entry holes—about the size of a dime—dot the woodwork. Over time, these tunnels can weaken structures, create cosmetic damage, and attract other pests. While the instinct may be to reach for a spray, it’s important to remember that carpenter bees are pollinators. At The Other Bee Guy, we always take an approach that balances protection of your property with the preservation of bees whenever possible. That’s why we also offer safe and responsible bee removal and bee relocation services.
Carpenter bees are not typically aggressive, but males will hover and “guard” nesting areas. Female carpenter bees, on the other hand, are capable of stinging if provoked, which is another reason to handle infestations carefully and professionally.
Signs of a Carpenter Bee Infestation
Knowing how to spot carpenter bee activity early can save you time, money, and frustration. Based on our experience, here are the most common indicators we share with clients:
- Perfectly round entry holes in wooden surfaces like decks, eaves, fences, or siding
- Sawdust or “frass” piling up beneath those holes
- Increased bee activity around your home during spring and early summer
- Buzzing sounds near wood beams or fascia boards
Another sign we’ve observed is staining beneath the entrance holes. This comes from a mixture of pollen and waste the bees leave behind. Many of the homeowners we help initially mistake carpenter bee damage for termites or wood rot, but the distinct round holes make it clear they’re dealing with bees. If you’re unsure, we encourage you to reach out through our contact page, and we can guide you in identifying whether you have carpenter bees or another type of pest.
DIY Methods for Getting Rid of Carpenter Bees
We understand that many people want to try safe, natural solutions before calling in professionals. Over the years, we’ve tested a variety of methods and can share which ones actually help.
Natural Deterrents
Carpenter bees dislike certain scents. Citrus sprays, almond oil, and vinegar-based solutions can make wood less attractive to them. While these are not permanent fixes, they are effective deterrents in lower-risk areas. For clients who prefer eco-friendly solutions, we often recommend natural repellents as part of their initial prevention strategy.
Sealing and Repairing Wood
Open tunnels are like invitations for carpenter bees. Once the bees leave in late summer or fall, sealing holes with wood putty and repainting or staining the surface can prevent future nesting. In our work, we’ve found that painting wood is far more effective than leaving it raw or simply sealing it. Bees are less likely to bore into painted or varnished wood.
Traps and Preventive Measures
Carpenter bee traps can capture bees as they search for nesting spots. We’ve seen mixed success with traps—while they reduce activity, they don’t always eliminate the problem entirely. We recommend using traps in combination with sealing wood and applying deterrents. If you’d rather avoid handling this yourself, our bee hive relocation services are designed to manage the process safely.
Chemical and Professional Treatments
There are times when DIY simply isn’t enough. Severe infestations, recurring activity, or high-risk areas often require professional intervention. Over the years, we’ve safely managed hundreds of carpenter bee infestations, and we’ve learned that timing and method matter.
Chemical sprays and dusts can be effective but should always be used with caution. Incorrect application can harm beneficial pollinators, pets, or even your family. Our team has the training and protective equipment to apply treatments responsibly when they are truly necessary.
For homeowners who want a lasting solution, professional removal is the best option. At The Other Bee Guy, we take a unique approach: whenever possible, we relocate rather than exterminate. Our bee relocation and nucleus colony services allow us to save bees while protecting your home. This process not only eliminates your carpenter bee issue but also supports local ecosystems and healthy honey production. You can even explore our local honey to see the positive side of preserving bees.
We encourage anyone considering professional treatment to review our process and read what our clients have shared in their reviews. Trust and transparency are central to how we operate, and we want you to feel confident when you choose us for your bee concerns.
Long Term Prevention and Control
Once carpenter bees are gone, the key is making sure they don’t come back. Over the years, we’ve seen homeowners treat carpenter bees effectively only to face the same problem the following spring. Prevention requires a consistent plan.
The first step is regular inspection. We recommend walking around your home at the beginning of spring and again in midsummer, looking for new holes or bee activity. Early detection makes treatment much easier. Painted and sealed wood surfaces should be maintained regularly, as carpenter bees are far less likely to drill into protected wood. If you’re doing home improvements, consider using hardwoods or composites in areas prone to activity.
We’ve also found that installing carpenter bee traps early in the season can help reduce populations before they establish new nests. Combined with sealing any old tunnels and applying repellents, this creates multiple barriers against reinfestation. For clients who want ongoing support, our bee relocation services allow us to step in quickly if activity returns. It’s always better to control the problem early than wait for it to spread.
Finally, building a relationship with a trusted professional can make prevention stress-free. Our team at The Other Bee Guy is always available to answer questions, perform inspections, or step in when DIY isn’t enough. If you want to learn more about how we handle cases from start to finish, visit our process page.
Carpenter Bee Prevention No More
Carpenter bees play an important role in pollination, but they can also cause real damage when they decide to nest in your home. By learning how to identify signs of infestation, applying proven DIY methods, and knowing when to call in experts, you can protect both your property and the environment.
At The Other Bee Guy, we bring years of hands-on experience, training, and dedication to every situation. Whether you need help sealing off nests, relocating bees, or creating a long-term prevention strategy, we’re here to guide you. Our commitment to safe and responsible bee removal and bee relocation ensures your home is protected while preserving the essential role bees play in our ecosystem.
If you’re dealing with carpenter bees—or want to prevent them in the future—reach out to us through our contact page. You can also learn more about our work through our client reviews and explore how supporting healthy bee populations helps produce our local honey.
Protect your home, safeguard the environment, and partner with experts who truly understand bees. At The Other Bee Guy, we’re here to help you every step of the way.