Posted on April 3rd, 2025

If you’ve noticed large, black bees hovering around wooden structures on your property, you may have a carpenter bee infestation. Unlike termites, carpenter bees don’t eat wood, but they drill holes into untreated wood to create nesting tunnels. While they are not as aggressive as wasps, their burrowing can lead to significant structural damage over time.

How to Identify Carpenter Bees :

Carpenter bees are often mis taken for bumblebees due to their similar size. However, you can tell them apart by these key differences:

✅ Appearance: Carpenter bees have a shiny, hairless black abdomen, whereas bumblebees have a fuzzy, yellow-and-black body.

✅ Behavior: Unlike social bees, carpenter bees are solitary and do not live in hives.

✅ Nesting Sites: They drill perfectly round holes (about ½ inch in diameter) into wood, creating tunnels for their eggs.

Are Carpenter Bees Dangerous?

Carpenter bees are not aggressive, and males don’t have stingers. However, females can sting if provoked. The real danger comes from their wood-boring habits, which can weaken decks, fences, siding, and even structural beams if left untreated.

Signs of a Carpenter Bee Infestation :

Look for these common signs around your property:

🔍 Small, round holes in untreated wood (decks, fences, siding, or eaves).
🔍 Sawdust piles (frass) below the holes where bees are burrowing.
🔍 Bees hovering around wooden structures, especially in spring and summer.
🔍 Buzzing sounds inside wooden beams where they’ve built tunnels.

How to Prevent Carpenter Bee Damage:

To protect your home from costly repairs, take these steps:

✅ Seal and paint exposed wood – Carpenter bees prefer bare, untreated wood.
✅ Fill existing holes – Use wood putty or caulk to prevent re-infestation.
✅ Install metal screens or coverings on vulnerable wooden surfaces.
✅ Use natural repellents like citrus oil or almond oil around potential nesting areas.
✅ Seek professional help if an infestation is severe.

Professional Carpenter Bee Control

If carpenter bees are damaging your property, KEA Pest Control can safely and effectively remove them. Our experts will assess the infestation, treat affected areas, and provide long-term prevention tips to keep your home safe.