Stop Carpenter Bee Wood Damage
At The Other Bee Guy, we’ve seen firsthand how carpenter bees can quietly turn a beautiful wooden deck or pergola into a costly repair project. Unlike termites, carpenter bees don’t eat wood—they drill into it to create nesting tunnels where they lay their eggs. While this may sound harmless at first, these tunnels can multiply every spring as the next generation returns to the same spot, expanding their nests year after year.
Carpenter bees are most attracted to untreated, unpainted, or weathered wood. Cedar, pine, redwood, and cypress are especially vulnerable. The soft texture of these woods makes it easy for the bees to burrow and establish galleries. Over time, this nesting activity can cause structural damage, weaken joints, and leave unsightly holes that invite moisture and other pests.
We often remind homeowners that not every buzzing bee around your porch is a threat. Carpenter bees are solitary, and only females drill holes. Males may appear aggressive as they hover nearby, but they’re harmless and lack stingers. Understanding this behavior helps us approach every case with both effectiveness and compassion for the bees themselves. Our bee removal and bee relocation services are designed to protect your home while preserving these essential pollinators.
Early Signs of Carpenter Bee Activity
Recognizing the early signs of carpenter bee activity can make all the difference in preventing long-term wood damage. One of the most obvious indicators is the presence of perfectly round holes—about the size of a dime—on exposed wood surfaces. Beneath those holes, you might notice small piles of sawdust or wood shavings, a result of the bees excavating their tunnels.
Another telltale sign is increased bee activity around wooden structures, especially in spring and early summer. You may see them hovering near eaves, railings, or deck posts. If you listen closely, you might even hear faint buzzing or tapping sounds from within the wood.
Over time, older tunnels can be reused and expanded, compounding the damage each season. That’s why we always recommend taking action as soon as these signs appear. At The Other Bee Guy, we start with a detailed inspection of your property to identify active nesting sites. Once confirmed, we safely remove the bees and repair affected areas to discourage re-entry. You can learn more about how we approach every situation step by step in our process.
Natural and Effective Carpenter Bee Deterrents
One of the most common questions we receive is: “How do I keep carpenter bees away naturally?” Thankfully, several safe, eco-friendly solutions deter carpenter bees without harming them—or the environment.
Citrus-based sprays are among our top recommendations. The natural scent of lemon, orange, and lime oils works as an effective carpenter bee deterrent. Boil citrus peels in water and spray the mixture on affected areas, or use a commercial citrus carpenter bee spray for lasting protection. Carpenter bees dislike the acidity and aroma, making it a simple yet powerful repellent.
Essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, and almond oil can also be mixed with water and sprayed around high-risk areas. The strong scents interfere with the bees’ ability to recognize potential nesting sites, naturally encouraging them to move elsewhere.
Beyond scent-based deterrents, painting or staining your wood can also make a huge difference. Carpenter bees rarely bore into sealed or painted surfaces. If you have exposed decks or trim, applying a high-quality paint or wood sealer can significantly reduce your risk of infestation.
For added protection, consider installing reflective deterrents or small vibration devices near known nesting zones. These disrupt the bees’ comfort and prevent them from settling. We use these techniques as part of our holistic carpenter bee prevention strategy, always tailored to your home’s specific needs.
How to Prevent Carpenter Bees From Returning
Once the bees are safely relocated, the next step is long-term prevention. Carpenter bees are persistent creatures, and if their old nesting holes remain open, they’ll likely return. That’s why sealing existing holes immediately after removal is crucial. We use durable wood fillers and specialized sealants to block off tunnels and keep new bees from re-entering.
Choosing the right materials for your outdoor projects also plays a significant role. Whenever possible, opt for treated lumber or hardwoods, which are less appealing to carpenter bees. Regular maintenance—such as sanding, sealing, and repainting exposed wood—further protects against nesting.
Another effective strategy is to apply bee-safe sealants that deter carpenter bees without affecting their health or the surrounding environment. These coatings create a slick surface that makes boring more difficult. Some homeowners also install carpenter bee traps as a preventative measure. While traps can catch scouting bees, we prefer focusing on deterrence and relocation whenever possible to protect bee populations.
At The Other Bee Guy, we take a responsible approach to every case. Our team provides not only removal and repair, but also long-term carpenter bee prevention solutions designed to protect both your property and pollinators. To learn more about how we sustainably relocate bees, visit our bee hive relocation and bee-nucs-and-nucleus pages.
For ongoing help or seasonal prevention services, contact us anytime—we’re here to keep your wood safe and your bees protected.
Protecting Your Decks, Fences, and Wooden Structures
Carpenter bees often go after the most exposed and sun-warmed areas of your property—places like decks, fences, pergolas, and wooden eaves. These are prime targets because they provide soft, dry wood that’s easy to bore into and often overlooked in routine maintenance. Protecting these areas not only maintains your home’s appearance but also prevents structural weakening over time.
Decks are one of the most common nesting sites. We recommend sealing or staining them with a protective coating at least once a year, especially in high-sun areas. If you notice bees hovering around railings or joists, apply a citrus or essential oil spray to discourage them from nesting. For homeowners who enjoy a natural look, opt for clear sealants that still protect against moisture and UV damage.
Fences and pergolas can be safeguarded with similar methods. Choose treated or hardwood materials whenever possible and make sure to repaint or restain them regularly. Carpenter bees tend to avoid surfaces that are glossy or well-finished, so keeping your outdoor woodwork maintained is one of the best long-term deterrents.
Eaves, soffits, and siding are another favorite spot for carpenter bees. We often find small holes under rooflines where they can nest undisturbed. Inspect these areas each spring for any new activity. Early intervention can save you the trouble of repairing hidden damage later on. If you discover holes or buzzing activity, reach out for a quick bee removal before the infestation spreads.
Even outdoor furniture and swings can become targets if left untreated. Applying a wood-safe sealant and keeping items under cover when not in use will go a long way toward keeping carpenter bees away. And if you’re ever unsure about what type of protection your wood needs, we’re always happy to advise during an inspection.
If you’ve noticed bees drilling into your deck or fence, don’t wait until the damage worsens—contact us for fast, humane help.
The Benefits of Professional Prevention and Relocation
While natural deterrents and DIY prevention methods can help, professional carpenter bee prevention provides long-lasting protection with minimal risk to the bees or your property. At The Other Bee Guy, our goal isn’t just to remove carpenter bees—it’s to understand why they chose your home in the first place and implement strategies to make sure they don’t return.
We begin every job with a careful property inspection to locate nesting sites and assess the extent of the damage. Once we’ve identified active galleries, our experienced team uses gentle, non-toxic methods to remove and relocate the bees. This process protects pollinators while safeguarding your home’s structure.
After removal, we fill and seal all entry holes with durable materials that blend into your existing woodwork. Then we apply preventive treatments to discourage future nesting activity. We also provide customized guidance for ongoing maintenance—like which sealants to use, where to spray deterrents, and when to perform seasonal checks.
Choosing professional help ensures your property receives lasting results and that bee populations are protected, not destroyed. Homeowners who have trusted us for bee relocation and bee-hive-relocation often share their success stories in our reviews. Our clients appreciate not only our expertise but also our ethical approach to pest management that aligns with environmental responsibility.
Supporting Bee Health Through Ethical Relocation
One of our core values at The Other Bee Guy is balancing property protection with environmental care. Carpenter bees may cause damage to wood, but they’re also important pollinators. Destroying them disrupts local ecosystems and can harm the overall health of native bee populations. That’s why we focus on relocation instead of extermination.
When possible, we carefully capture and transfer carpenter bees to safer habitats where they can continue pollinating without causing structural damage. These bees play a vital role in plant reproduction, especially for native flowering plants that depend on large-bodied pollinators.
We also use bee nucs and nucleus colonies to help strengthen local hives. This approach benefits everyone—it protects your home while contributing to a sustainable environment.
If you want to take your support for pollinators a step further, consider purchasing local honey. Each jar helps sustain the same bees we work so hard to protect and provides a delicious reminder that every small effort counts toward maintaining ecological balance.
Our Commitment to Protecting Your Home and Our Pollinators
At The Other Bee Guy, we’re more than just a bee removal service—we’re advocates for safe coexistence. By combining proven carpenter bee prevention strategies with ethical relocation, we help homeowners keep their wood structures intact while preserving Florida’s essential pollinators.
Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or want to prevent future damage, we’re here to help with guidance, inspections, and environmentally responsible solutions. Protect your property, your investment, and the bees that make our world thrive.
Reach out today to schedule a professional carpenter bee inspection or learn more about our process for humane relocation and long-term prevention.