How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees look a lot like bumblebees. But unlike the bumblebee, carpenter bees create nests within the wood. If you ever see some round holes drilled through your wood or bees hovering around your house, you should have to be aware.

This blog will guide you through carpenter bees, what bugs are, and what to expect. Moreover, we will tell you some practical steps to eliminate them.

What Are Carpenter Bees?

Carpenter bees are solitary large bees that look like the bumblebees most of us. However, the major difference between both is the absence of hairy yellow fur on the abdominal side. Such bees mostly visit wooden sites like porches, decks, or fences. They dig holes in wood surfaces, creating a nest where only female carpenter bees lay their eggs.

These bees are also good pollinators since they help plants reproduce through pollen transferred from one flower to another. Their nesting habit is one of the common reasons for structural damage.

The reason behind such damage is that they create their nest by making tunnels in the bare wood. Mostly, these bees prefer softwoods such as cedar, redwood, and pine. Although carpenter bees are generally non-aggressive, male carpenter bees tend to hang around intruders but can’t sting.

Do Carpenter Bees Damage Wood?

Yes, different types of carpenter bees can cause structural damage over time. They drill tunnels into wood to create nesting areas, leaving behind holes that can weaken wooden structures. While the damage might seem minor at first, multiple infestations can compromise the stability of wood surfaces, making timely action crucial.

How to Identify Carpenter Bees in Your House

• Around half an inch in diameter, round holes are in wooden frames.
• Sawdust or frass near these round holes.
• Beehoverng around the wooden house, especially during the spring season.
• Presence of a woodpecker who wants to feed the carpenter bee larvae.

9 Best Ways to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

1.Fill Entrance Holes with Wood Putty

Seal entrance holes with wood putty or steel wool to block entry and deter reuse by female carpenter bees. This approach will disrupt their nesting habits and prevent structural damage from occurring.

2.Use Citrus Spray

Boil citrus peels in water to make a citrus-based spray. Spray the solution on the affected wood surfaces, as the strong smell is a natural repellent against carpenter bees. This is an eco-friendly and safe method for homes with pets and children.

3.Set Carpenter Bee Traps

Install carpenter bee traps near nesting areas. Carpenter bee traps capture bees safely without harmful chemicals and effectively control carpenter bees.

4.Apply Diatomaceous Earth

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in the nesting holes. This organic powder kills carpenter bee infestations by dehydrating insects. Remember to wear protective equipment when applying this substance.

5.Use Boric Acid

Inject boric acid powder into their tunnels to kill bees effectively. This is an excellent method for a large infestation.

6.Paint or Varnish Wood

Applying paint or varnish to wooden structures prevents the carpenter bees from accessing this area. Make sure to do it by covering bare woods and other vulnerable areas to keep the infestation at bay.

7.Install Wind Chimes

Hanging wind chimes near wooden areas deters carpenter bee infestation through noise and vibrations

8.Use Essential Oils

Tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils are natural repellents. To protect wood structures, mix a few drops of water in a spray bottle and apply it.

9.Call Professional Pest Control

In severe cases, professional pest control is essential. Experts can safely address carpenter bee infestations, protecting your home and wooden structures from further damage.

For added effectiveness, consider combining multiple methods, such as traps, and preventive measures like painting or varnishing. By dealing with the problem thoroughly, you can prevent your property from long-term damage.

How You Can Prevent Carpenter Bee Infestation

To prevent future carpenter bee infestations, follow these steps:

• Seal Cracks and Holes: Look around your house and seal each hole entrance with caulk or wood putty. This prevents current bees from accessing your home and prevents other bees from finding it to build their nests. Be sure to seal all the corners, overhangs, and surfaces that expose wood.
• Protect Wood Surfaces: Paint or stain wood structures to make them less attractive for nesting. Carpenter bees prefer untreated or bare wood, so a protective coating makes drilling less likely. 
• Install Bee Traps: Install bee traps in potential infestation areas as a precaution. These traps capture and destroy bees before they can fix their nests. Always inspect and clean the traps to keep them in good working condition.
• Keep Wood Dry: Moist wood is a source of infestation, so ensure adequate ventilation and drainage around your abode. Correct all leakage outdoors, and use material that can withstand weather conditions while constructing.
• Use Natural Repellents: Spraying wood with essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint creates an odor that deters carpenter bees. Reapply these natural repellents every few weeks during the active season.

Combining these methods can significantly lower the chances of carpenter bee infestations and maintain your wooden structures.

Major Signs of Carpenter Bee Infestation

The following are the primary indications to watch for:

• Wood structures with round, clean tunnel entrances
• A powdery sawdust material collects around holes
• Male carpenter bees that protect a nest without stinging
• Woodpeckers presence. Although it is not an indicator of bee infestation, it shows something is going on inside the wooden structure.

Conclusion

Understanding how to eliminate carpenter bees is essential for protecting your property from structural damage. Early intervention can save the day through natural means such as citrus sprays and essential oils or professional help. The tips in this guide will help you control an existing infestation and prevent future ones.

FAQs

Q1. Are carpenter bees harmful to humans?

A: Male Carpenter Bees can be aggressive but do not sting. Female Carpenter bees sting, but they are usually non-aggressive.

Q2. How do I stop carpenter bees from returning?

A: Seal all holes, paint bare wood, and use carpenter bee traps to discourage them from nesting again.

Q3. When is the best time to deal with carpenter bees?

A: Tackle the issue during spring when bees are most active to avoid further structural damage.

Call Professionals to Get a Permanent Solution

Eliminating Carpenter bees on your own can be a bit tricky. For this, call Safe Pest Sol and let our pest control services help you.