Get Rid of Carpenter Bees Safely
Carpenter bees can quickly turn from fascinating pollinators to frustrating pests when they start drilling into the wood around your home. As a professional bee removal and relocation company, we at The Other Bee Guy understand both sides of the story — the importance of protecting bees and the need to preserve your property. In this guide, we’ll share how to get rid of carpenter bees safely, humanely, and effectively based on our real-world experience helping homeowners across the region.
Understanding the Carpenter Bee Problem
Carpenter bees, sometimes called “wood bees,” are large, solitary bees that prefer to burrow into untreated or weathered wood to create nesting tunnels. While they look similar to bumblebees, carpenter bees can be identified by their smooth, shiny black abdomens. Unlike honeybees, they don’t live in colonies — but a single female can cause extensive damage over time by boring multiple tunnels in decks, fascia boards, fences, and wooden trim.
If you’ve noticed round holes about the size of a dime and piles of sawdust beneath them, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with carpenter bees. Over the years, we’ve helped countless homeowners identify early signs of carpenter bee activity and prevent long-term structural issues. Knowing what you’re up against is the first step toward effective carpenter bee control.
If you’re unsure whether you have carpenter bees, bumblebees, or honeybees, reach out to us through our bee removal page — we can inspect the area and determine the best course of action.
How to Identify Carpenter Bees vs. Other Bees
One of the most common questions we receive is: “How do I tell carpenter bees apart from bumblebees?” While both are beneficial pollinators, carpenter bees have distinct characteristics that make identification easier once you know what to look for.
- Appearance: Carpenter bees have smooth, shiny black abdomens, while bumblebees are fuzzy and covered in yellow and black hair.
- Behavior: Carpenter bees hover around wooden structures and may even “dive-bomb” if they feel threatened, but males lack stingers and cannot sting.
- Nesting habits: Bumblebees nest in the ground or abandoned burrows, while carpenter bees drill near-perfect circular holes into wood surfaces.
Recognizing these differences is essential before attempting any carpenter bee removal. Treating the wrong species can harm vital pollinators or make the problem worse. At The Other Bee Guy, we always prioritize responsible identification and bee relocation whenever possible. Learn more about how we safely transport and protect bees in our bee hive relocation process.
Why You Need to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees Quickly
While carpenter bees don’t consume wood like termites, the tunnels they create can cause severe damage over time. Female bees drill into wood to lay eggs, and each tunnel can extend several inches deep. Over the years, these holes multiply and compromise the integrity of decks, siding, porches, and trim boards. Even worse, once the larvae hatch, they reuse the same holes — expanding them and attracting more bees.
Ignoring the problem can lead to:
- Structural damage: weakened beams, railings, or fascia boards.
- Secondary infestations: woodpeckers often peck at carpenter bee larvae, causing further destruction.
- Increased nesting: unsealed holes invite new generations of bees each season.
As bee specialists, we’ve seen homes where minor carpenter bee activity turned into widespread wood deterioration. Addressing the issue early through carpenter bee pest control prevents costly repairs while keeping local pollinators safe. For homeowners who value sustainability, our bee relocation services ensure bees are removed humanely and rehomed to a secure environment.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees Naturally (DIY and Preventive Methods)
If you’re facing mild carpenter bee activity, you may be able to manage it using safe, natural deterrents before resorting to professional carpenter bee extermination. Over the years, we’ve tested several methods that can discourage carpenter bees without harming them or the environment.
Use natural repellents
Essential oils such as citrus, almond, tea tree, and eucalyptus can act as effective deterrents. Mix a few drops with water and spray it on areas where carpenter bees are active. These scents make the wood less inviting and help prevent future nesting.
Keep wood sealed and painted
Carpenter bees prefer untreated, weathered, or bare wood. By regularly painting or sealing decks, eaves, and fascia boards, you eliminate one of their preferred nesting conditions. Smooth finishes are especially effective since the bees find them difficult to grip and drill into.
Eliminate existing nests properly
If you find active tunnels, wait until night when bees are less active, then plug the holes with steel wool or wooden dowels, followed by a layer of caulk. However, if the bees are still inside, sealing the holes prematurely can trap them — a mistake we’ve seen homeowners make frequently. When in doubt, consult a professional carpenter bee exterminator to ensure it’s done safely.
Encourage relocation instead of extermination
We encourage relocating carpenter bees rather than eliminating them. Bees play a crucial role in pollination, and safe relocation helps maintain local ecosystems. You can read more about our ethical approach to bee handling and removal in our process.
If your carpenter bee problem is persistent, or if they’ve nested near high-traffic areas, professional intervention may be the best choice. We offer safe and humane removal services that balance environmental care with property protection. To schedule an inspection or request a quote, visit our contact page or browse our reviews to see how we’ve helped others with successful carpenter bee control.
At The Other Bee Guy, we combine expertise, safety, and ethical bee management to protect both your home and our environment. Whether you’re searching for “carpenter bee removal near me” or want to learn more about natural control methods, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Long-Term Prevention and Control Strategies
Eliminating carpenter bees once is only half the battle. To ensure they don’t return, you’ll want to maintain a few simple, long-term habits that keep your property protected and unappealing to nesting bees.
Paint or seal all exposed wood
Carpenter bees are drawn to raw, untreated wood. By keeping surfaces painted or sealed with a weatherproof finish, you significantly reduce their interest. Focus on decks, eaves, railings, and other exterior wood structures. Reapply sealant every few years for maximum protection.
Fill and repair old holes
Even after carpenter bees are gone, their old nesting holes remain an open invitation for new bees to move in. Use wooden dowels, steel wool, or caulk to seal these entry points. For a seamless finish, match the paint or stain to your structure. This not only deters bees but also restores your home’s appearance.
Encourage natural predators and bee-safe relocation
Birds like woodpeckers and some wasps can help naturally limit carpenter bee populations. Additionally, we can help you relocate existing bees safely to new environments where they can continue to pollinate without damaging your property. Learn about how we handle live bee relocation through our bee relocation and bee hive relocation programs.
When to Hire a Professional for Carpenter Bee Removal
If you’ve tried multiple DIY methods and the bees keep returning, it’s time to call in a professional carpenter bee exterminator. Carpenter bee infestations can become more destructive each season, and without the right tools, many homeowners unintentionally worsen the problem by sealing bees inside tunnels or leaving larvae behind.
At The Other Bee Guy, we provide safe and humane carpenter bee removal near me services designed for long-term success. We don’t rely solely on pesticides or quick fixes. Instead, we use a proven process that includes:
- Inspection and identification: We confirm the species and extent of the infestation.
- Targeted treatment: Using safe, effective products or relocation techniques.
- Prevention and repair: Sealing entry points and advising you on future protection.
Our approach prioritizes sustainability, ensuring that beneficial bees are preserved whenever possible. You can explore our client feedback on our reviews page or reach out directly through our contact form to schedule an inspection.
The Bottom Line: Protect Your Property and the Pollinators
Carpenter bees play an essential role in pollination, but their nesting habits can cause costly damage when left unchecked. The key to getting rid of carpenter bees is acting early, identifying the problem accurately, and choosing an approach that’s both effective and environmentally conscious.
At The Other Bee Guy, we’ve built our reputation on ethical, science-based pest control and relocation methods. Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or looking for long-term prevention, our experienced team can help you remove carpenter bees safely and responsibly. We’re passionate about protecting both your home and our shared ecosystem.
If you’re searching for trusted carpenter bee control, carpenter bee extermination, or expert advice on how to get rid of carpenter bees for good, we’re here to help. Visit our contact page today to schedule an inspection — and let’s keep your home bee-free while keeping nature in balance.