How to Protect Wood from Carpenter Bees

While most bees are harmless to humans – except for more aggressive species like wasps and hornets – the sight of them is still often a concern for many. Even more so if a large bee is seen crawling out of holes in your wooden decks, fences and walls.

Carpenter bees are not aggressive by nature, but instead they build nests inside the soft woods that are common around your home. Prolonged nesting can have a termite-like effect and damage the wood permanently.

Protecting the wood

If there is an infestation that is large, you may want to consult an exterminator. But otherwise there are some steps you can take to prevent these little pollinators from damaging the wood that is important to your property.

1. Spray residential insecticide. There are a number of brands on the market that are effective in protecting your wood from carpenter bees. Regular treatments are a standard way to prevent bees from burrowing and they’re safe to use on the wood surface.
2. Use insesticidal dust. This chemical can be applied near or deep into the holes the bees have already nested in. This helps with longer-term infestations.
3. Install a bee trap. Because carpenter bees, like other bees, are helpful in nature, you may not want to kill them but trap them instead. This will safely pull them away from the wood you’re trying to protect so you can release them elsewhere.
4. Play loud music. This may seem silly, but heavy vibrations can drive bees away. So, positioning speakers near their holes and playing loud music can force them out – and into a trap, for example.
5. Paint or stain the wood. This can be effective in preventing carpenter bees from returning. Filling the existing holes and applying a new coat of paint or stain will act as a simple repellant – and will look great too!

These are just a few ways to deal with carpenter bees before their burrows damage your wood significantly. For more information or to ask any questions, visit our website or call us.

Mr. Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale

245 W Roosevelt Rd, Building 10 Suite 69

West Chicago, IL 60185