How to identify and get rid of carpenter bees

Carpenter bees are a complicated problem to have. On the one hand, they are bees that look just like bumble bees, and you’ve been told to save the bees, not kill them. On the other hand, they are making holes in all of your wooden structures. Whether that’s a deck, posts of your porch, or the timber framing of your home, they can quickly become a nuisance.

Unlike termites that eat wood, carpenter bees bore a hole into the wood to build a nest to raise their larvae. These bees are active from early spring when they emerge to mate and find nesting sites, which makes early detection key. While they’re not looking to sting unless provoked, their woodworking can cause significant damage over time.

Carpenter bees are easy to spot due to their size and their robust shape. They often have a shiny black abdomen and a yellow thorax, making them look somewhat like bumblebees but with a less hairy, smoother abdomen.

The males, which can’t sting, will hover near their nests, warding off any flying insects that get too close. Signs of an infestation include round, smooth holes in wood and piles of sawdust beneath these entry points.

How big are carpenter bees?

They typically range from 1/2 to 1 inch long.

What other pest looks like a carpenter bee?

Bumble bees and carpenter bees are often mixed up. Just remember that carpenter bees nest in wood and have a shiny abdomen, whereas bumble bees nest in the ground and are fuzzy all over.

You can find carpenter bees throughout the US, especially in areas with abundant wood structures. Around your home, they might be hanging out around eaves, decks, fence posts, and other wood structures.

Getting rid of carpenter bees can be a bit tricky for some people because they feel like they are doing something wrong when they want to kill them. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can deter them from drilling holes in your wood structures and prevent them from hanging around.

• Block Holes: After bees have left, seal their holes with steel wool and then wood putty or caulk to prevent re-entry.
• Physical Barriers: Apply varnish or paint to wood surfaces, as carpenter bees prefer untreated wood.
• Replace damaged wood: Any wood that has significant damage should be replaced so the bees stop using the same nesting site year after year.

Additionally, you can use an insect barrier spray to prevent carpenter bees from nesting in or around your home. Pestie offers a pro-grade DIY solution that you can apply in just a few minutes.