How to Prevent Carpenter Bee Damage

During spring and summer, pest activity peaks, and unfortunately, increased pest activity can create significant problems – like property destruction. Carpenter bees are a type of solitary bee that can damage wooden structures, including homes and other buildings. Although they do not pose a significant physical threat to humans, they can be a nuisance and cause substantial damage to wooden structures over time. If you are looking to prevent carpenter bees from damaging your property, there are several measures you can take.

In today’s blog, we’ll discuss several signs of carpenter bee damage and how to prevent carpenter bees from damaging your property.

Carpenter ants, termites, and carpenter bees all damage wooden structures – but how can you know which pest is the culprit? Several common signs can indicate a carpenter bee infestation. 

Unlike termite damage that resembles horizontal shelving along wood grains, carpenter bee damage presents as round holes, usually about half an inch in diameter, in wooden structures such as eaves, decks, or fences. These holes act as nests for female carpenter bees to lay eggs. The holes are typically smooth and clean-cut, and may have sawdust or wood shavings around them. Carpenter bees are wood-boring insects, and the almost perfectly round holes they leave behind are distinct from other insects – in fact, you’re more likely to mistake carpenter bee damage for a drill hole or something else manmade.

Other Signs Of Carpenter Bees

Another sign of a carpenter bee problem is an unusual uptick in bee swarming, particularly during the spring and summer months. You may also notice increased woodpecker activity, as these birds are attracted to carpenter bee larvae that live inside the holes created by adult bees. Finally, you may hear buzzing coming from inside the wood, caused by the movement of the bees within their tunnels as they tend their young.

If you notice carpenter bees residing on your property, it’s likely due to an abundance of unpainted or untreated wood. Carpenter bees will avoid drilling holes in wood sources that are coated in chemicals or other finishes, but they aren’t picky about what untreated wood structures they’ll target. From natural fixtures like trees and stumps to man-made structures like porches, railings, or wood sidings, exposed wood surfaces will attract carpenter bees.

There are several ways to prevent carpenter bees from damaging your property.

If you’re dealing with an active carpenter bee infestation, there are a few steps you can take to help get rid of these pests. Our on-staff entomologist, David Moore, explains what steps you should take.