How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
A large bee that bores perfectly round holes into bare wood on decks, eaves and fences. Males hover aggressively near nests but cannot sting. If you are seeing them indoors and in gardens and on plants, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Paint or stain exposed wood, since the bees prefer bare surfaces
- Treat active holes in the evening and plug them with wood filler a few days later
- Replace badly tunneled boards
Females can sting but rarely do; repeated nesting weakens wood and attracts woodpeckers.
Confirm you have carpenter bees
Start by confirming the bug. Carpenter Bees have a few features that set them apart. Adults measure 18–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in) and are usually black and yellow. Look for these features:
- Shiny, hairless black abdomen
- Fuzzy yellow thorax
- Round, half-inch holes in wood with sawdust below
They are most often confused with bumble bee. See the full carpenter bee profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have carpenter bees
Carpenter Bees target wood, especially wood that is damp, damaged or touching soil. Leaky roofs, gutters and plumbing create the moisture they prefer. Woodpiles, stumps and mulch against the foundation act as a bridge into the house. They are most active in spring and summer, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see carpenter bees
Carpenter Bees are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere and garden or plants.
Step-by-step: getting rid of carpenter bees
Step 1: Paint or stain exposed wood
Paint or stain exposed wood, since the bees prefer bare surfaces. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 2: Treat active holes in the evening
Treat active holes in the evening and plug them with wood filler a few days later. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 3: Replace badly tunneled boards
Replace badly tunneled boards. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Remove and replace wet or damaged wood.
- Fix leaks and improve drainage around the foundation.
- Move firewood and lumber away from the house and off the ground.
- For ants, use slow-acting baits rather than repellent sprays.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Because damage often hides inside walls, get a professional inspection whenever you see carpenter bees indoors. With structural pests, early professional help usually saves money.
How to keep carpenter bees from coming back
- Keep at least six inches between soil and wood siding.
- Paint or seal exposed wood surfaces.
- Clean gutters and point downspouts away from the foundation.
- Schedule periodic inspections if you live in a high-risk area.
Safety notes
Females can sting but rarely do; repeated nesting weakens wood and attracts woodpeckers.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About bees & wasps
The carpenter bee is one of the bees & wasps. Bees and wasps belong to the same order as ants. Social species such as honey bees, bumble bees, yellowjackets and hornets live in colonies with a queen, while solitary species such as mud daubers and cicada killers raise their young alone. Only females can sting, because the stinger is a modified egg-laying tube.
Social wasp colonies grow all summer and are largest and most defensive in late summer and early fall. Most colonies die off in winter, leaving only new queens to start over in spring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of carpenter bees?
Paint or stain exposed wood, since the bees prefer bare surfaces. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are carpenter bees dangerous?
Females can sting but rarely do; repeated nesting weakens wood and attracts woodpeckers.
When are carpenter bees most active?
Carpenter Bees are most active in spring and summer.
What do carpenter bees look like?
Shiny, hairless black abdomen. Adults measure 18–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in).