How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are a pest that plagues homeowners. They are known to burrow into unfinished wood around your home and can cause damage to structures as they eat their way through the inside of your wood. Learn what you need to do in order to get rid of carpenter bees today.

When are carpenter bees active?

The months of May and June are typically when carpenter bees are most active. The female nests in wood and creates a distinctive gallery for her eggs. The opening will be a one-inch diameter hole and will take a right turn and go for about 4 to 5 inches within the wood’s grain.

What are signs you have carpenter bees?

The evidence of holes and yellow staining from both the female’s frass and pollen will indicate a carpenter bee infestation. Decks, rafters, stairs, barns, banisters, and windowsills are all likely areas to be infested.

Do carpenter bees sting?

Carpenter bees are very territorial and even though the males cannot sting, they will aggressively defend the gallery, while females can sting, but it is rare to be stung by one. 

Will carpenter bees go away on their own?

Carpenter bees will continue to return year after year to areas where they have previously nested or emerged from a nest as young adults. Unless the wood is sanded down and painted well, females will continue to drill in the same area.

How to get rid of carpenter bees

Applications of dust or liquid insecticide labeled for carpenter bees can be placed within the gallery. After a day or two, the gallery can be sealed and plugged with wood putty or caulk. You can also contact a professional pest control company to help you out with the successful removal of these stinging insects.