What Attracts Carpenter Bees?

Carpenter bees or Xylocopa are big and problematic insects that beekeepers often struggle with. They are important pollinators that help reproduce wild plants and various crops, but they are known to cause infestations and severe wood damage.

With spring in full bloom, it's time to gear up for sunny days and outdoor fun. However, the buzzing of carpenter bees may not be the welcome sound you anticipate. These wood-boring insects can wreak havoc on your home and outdoor structures. Here's how to prepare and prevent carpenter bee infestations, ensuring a peaceful and bee-friendly season.

Identifying Carpenter Bees and Signs of Infestation

When identifying carpenter bees, look for the telltale signs of their presence. Keep an eye out for half-inch diameter holes in untreated or softer woods, often accompanied by piles of yellow sawdust. 

Carpenter bees are typically large and black or black and yellow, which can sometimes be mistaken for bumblebees. They can often be found hovering around house eaves or under decks. 

Signs of infestation may also include nickel-sized holes in wood, wood shavings, yellowish-brown staining, and faint chewing sounds. While males, identifiable by white stripes on their faces, do not sting, females may sting when provoked.

Carpenter Bee Solutions

Preventing carpenter bee infestations is essential, as they can cause structural damage over time. Opting for non-chemical carpenter bee solutions benefits both the environment and other pollinators.

Address Carpenter Bee Holes

To address existing carpenter bee activity, start by surveying your home for half-inch diameter holes in wooden areas. Fill these holes and divots flush with the exterior using appropriate materials. 

If you’re struggling with how to repair carpenter bee damage, consider specialized products like Bee Dams to get the job done correctly. Bee Dams are paintable/stainable and will strengthen the wood as you repair it. 

Additionally, opting for hardwoods over softwoods like redwood, cedar, cypress, and pine can deter carpenter bees from nesting.

After repairing holes and divots, apply carpenter bee repellent stain or paint to wooden surfaces. Treating wood after repairs helps deter carpenter bees from nesting further. Fill any pits and gaps in wood surfaces to make them less attractive to these insects.

Hang Up Carpenter Bee Traps

Strategically mount traps around your property, especially in areas frequented by carpenter bees. Consider using products like BeesNThings traps to effectively capture these insects. 

Additionally, protect wooden outdoor furniture with citrus extract spray, as carpenter bees dislike the smell of citrus. You can also use almond oil or citrus oil repellents on susceptible areas.

Encourage Migration

Encourage carpenter bees to relocate by providing scrap wood blocks for nesting, ensuring they're unpainted. Playing music or hanging wind chimes near nests can disrupt their habitat, encouraging migration. You can also hang fake wasp nests to deter nesting in specific areas.

Enjoy a Bee-Free Spring

By implementing these bee-friendly prevention methods, you can effectively deter carpenter bees without resorting to harmful chemicals. This not only benefits your home but also contributes to the well-being of native pollinators. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a carpenter bee-free spring and a thriving ecosystem.