As warmer weather returns in spring, it brings more than just blooming flowers and sunshine—it also awakens a variety of pests, including one of the most misunderstood: the carpenter bee. While these large, solitary bees may seem harmless at first glance, they can inflict serious structural damage on your home if left unaddressed. With their knack for boring into wood to build nests, carpenter bees pose a persistent threat to decks, eaves, fascia boards, railings, and other exterior wood elements. Fortunately, with the right strategies and timely intervention, you can stay ahead of an infestation. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about carpenter bee prevention, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do when you need professional carpenter bee control.
What Are Carpenter Bees?
Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees but can be distinguished by their smooth, shiny black abdomens. These bees are solitary, meaning they do not live in hives or colonies like honeybees. The female carpenter bee is the one that does the drilling, chewing perfectly round holes into untreated or weathered softwood to lay her eggs inside. Each tunnel can be up to 10 inches deep and may be reused or expanded year after year, increasing the severity of damage over time.
While carpenter bees are important pollinators and rarely sting unless provoked, they are still classified as structural pests because of the way they nest. If you see them hovering around your home’s exterior wood in spring, there’s a good chance they’re either establishing a new nest or returning to an old one.
Why Spring Is Peak Season for Carpenter Bee Activity
Spring is the most active season for carpenter bees. As temperatures rise, these bees emerge from dormant overwintering nests and begin mating. The females seek out exposed, untreated wood to drill holes and lay eggs, while the males hover nearby, often acting aggressively (though they don’t sting) to protect the territory.
This means spring is the ideal time to take preventative action. Spotting early signs of carpenter bee activity and implementing carpenter bee control methods can prevent costly repairs later in the season.
5 Telltale Signs of a Carpenter Bee Infestation
Knowing what to look for can help you catch carpenter bee activity early. Here are the most common indicators that we have come across as professional carpenter bee exterminators:
1. Perfectly Round Holes in Wood
Carpenter bees bore almost perfectly round entry holes about ½ inch in diameter. These are usually found on horizontal surfaces such as under railings, soffits, decks, or the undersides of porch ceilings. The holes may appear clean and precise, with no splinters or fraying.
2. Saw Dust or Frass Below Entry Points
As they tunnel into wood, carpenter bees leave behind sawdust-like shavings, known as frass. You’ll often find this frass collecting on surfaces below the hole. It’s one of the most visible and early signs that carpenter bees are actively nesting in your woodwork.
3. Buzzing Sounds Within Walls or Beams
You might hear faint buzzing or chewing noises coming from inside wooden structures. This can occur when female bees are actively boring tunnels, especially in quiet parts of the home such as attics or enclosed porches.
4. Increased Bee Activity Near Wood Surfaces
Male carpenter bees hover protectively near nesting sites, sometimes darting toward people or pets. While they don’t sting, their territorial behavior can be unsettling and is a key sign of nearby nesting.
5. Woodpecker Damage
Interestingly, carpenter bee activity may also attract woodpeckers, which feed on bee larvae. If you notice larger holes near the original carpenter bee holes, woodpeckers may be contributing to the damage.
Best Practices for Carpenter Bees Prevention
To keep carpenter bees from nesting in or around your home, it’s crucial to make the environment as inhospitable as possible. Here are proactive steps you can take:
1. Paint or Seal All Exposed Wood
Carpenter bees are more likely to tunnel into untreated or weathered wood. Painting or staining all exposed wooden surfaces creates a protective barrier. Oil-based paints are especially effective. Be sure to focus on trim, fascia boards, railings, and decks.
2. Fill Existing Holes Promptly
If you’ve dealt with carpenter bees before, inspect for previous nesting holes. Seal them with wood putty or caulk, then repaint the area. Filling old tunnels prevents them from being reused—something carpenter bees frequently do.
3. Use Citrus or Essential Oil Sprays
Natural deterrents like citrus sprays, peppermint oil, or tea tree oil are unappealing to carpenter bees. These can be applied to susceptible areas weekly throughout spring and early summer.
4. Install Traps in High-Risk Areas
Commercial carpenter bee traps can help reduce the population around your home. Place them near areas where you’ve previously seen activity, such as overhangs, wooden fences, or soffits.
5. Conduct Regular Inspections
Make it a habit to check for bee holes, frass, or buzzing sounds at the start of spring and continue through summer. Catching infestations early is key to avoiding deeper structural damage.
Why Professional Carpenter Bee Control Is Essential
Even with prevention methods in place, a persistent carpenter bee infestation often requires professional intervention. DIY solutions may only offer temporary relief, especially if nests are deep inside structural wood.
At Action Termite & Pest Control, our licensed professionals are trained to identify and eliminate carpenter bee nests with precision and care. We use advanced carpenter bee extermination techniques that target the source of the infestation, followed by preventative treatments to discourage future nesting.
Our services include:
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Comprehensive Property Inspections to locate all nesting sites
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Targeted Treatments using eco-conscious, pet-safe solutions
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Wood Sealing & Repair Recommendations
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Seasonal Monitoring and maintenance to protect your home long-term
Whether it’s a one-time service or part of our Home Service Plan, we’re committed to providing lasting carpenter bee control that gives homeowners peace of mind.
Additional Pest Control Services from Action
Action Termite & Pest Control is more than just a carpenter bee solution. We offer full-spectrum pest management for homes and businesses across New Jersey. Our pest services include:
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Termite Control – Powerful protection against destructive termite infestations.
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Bed Bug Control – Discreet, effective bed bug removal backed by the latest thermal remediation technology.
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Rodent Control – Safe, reliable rodent exclusion and prevention.
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Wildlife Control – Humane capture and relocation of nuisance wildlife like raccoons and squirrels.
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Wood Destroying Insects – Ensuring that your home is rid of any harmful insects, carpenter bees or ants, that could eat away at the structure of your home.
With over 50 years of experience, our team is prepared to handle everything from seasonal pests to severe infestations. Let us be your year-round partner in home protection.
Ready to Protect Your Home This Spring?
Don’t let carpenter bees turn your home into their next nesting site. Whether you’re seeing signs of an infestation or want to take preventative action, Action Termite & Pest Control is here to help. With decades of experience, eco-friendly solutions, and a commitment to exceptional customer care, we’re your trusted source for carpenter bee control and beyond.
📞 Call us today at 1-800-920-0906 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection or learn more about our services.