What Should I Do if I Spot Carpenter Bees Outside?

AI Summary

• Carpenter bees drill into wood to build nests, which can lead to long-term structural damage if ignored.
  
  
• These bees are often mistaken for bumblebees, but their smooth bodies and drilling behavior set them apart.
  
  
• If you see holes, sawdust, or hovering bees near wood, act quickly to prevent damage.
  
  
• Professional pest control is the safest way to remove carpenter bees and protect your property from future nesting.

Spotting carpenter bees outside your home can be worrying, especially when you notice perfectly round holes in your deck, porch, or wooden trim. While carpenter bees rarely sting and are not aggressive like wasps, they can cause real damage when they begin boring into wood. Over time, multiple nesting tunnels can weaken structures, attract woodpeckers, and create ongoing repairs for homeowners.

If you have found carpenter bees in your yard or near your home, acting quickly is important. This guide explains what these bees are doing, how to identify the warning signs, and what steps you should take to protect your property.

What Carpenter Bees Are Doing When You See Them

Carpenter bees begin showing up in spring and early summer. Their behavior is often misunderstood, but once you know what they are doing, it becomes easier to take the right action.



Here is what spotting a carpenter bee usually means:

They Are Looking for Wood to Nest In

Carpenter bees do not eat wood. Instead, they drill smooth, round entry holes to create tunnels for laying eggs. These tunnels can stretch several inches and may branch into multiple chambers.

Males Hover to Protect the Nest

Male carpenter bees often hover in front of homes or decks. They cannot sting, but they act territorial. Their hovering is often the first sign that a nest is close by.

Females Create the Damage

Female carpenter bees drill the nesting holes. If you see a slow-moving bee entering a wooden area, you likely have an active nest.

Old Tunnels Attract New Bees

Carpenter bees frequently reuse tunnels. If your home had them in the past, those same areas are at higher risk for future activity.

Signs of Carpenter Bee Activity

If you spot carpenter bees outside, look for these common signs:

Round Holes in Wood

Carpenter bee holes are about the size of a finger and perfectly round. They often appear in:

• Decks
  
  
• Porch railings
  
  
• Wooden fascia
  
  
• Shed frames
  
  
• Fences
  
  
• Playsets
  
  
• Wooden patio furniture
  
  

Sawdust Shavings

Fine sawdust piles beneath holes indicate active drilling.

Yellow Staining

Bees can leave yellowish droppings on the wood surface near the nest openings.

Buzzing or Hovering Bees

If you see bees hovering near the same area daily, a nest is likely nearby.

What You Should Do Immediately When You See Carpenter Bees

Here are the key steps to take the moment you notice carpenter bees on your property.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Observe

Carpenter bees are far less aggressive than wasps. Males cannot sting at all, and females only sting if handled. Observing their behavior helps identify nest locations without disturbing them.

Step 2: Inspect the Wood for Fresh Holes

Check for round holes and sawdust. Look at:

• Deck joints
  
  
• Overhangs
  
  
• Fence posts
  
  
• Window trim
  
  
• Eaves
  
  
• Pergolas
  
  
• Outdoor wooden structures
  
  

Finding the entry hole helps determine whether the nest is new or old.

Step 3: Do Not Plug the Hole Immediately

Many homeowners make the mistake of sealing the hole right away. This can trap bees inside, causing them to chew new exits and create even more damage. Tunnel sealing should only happen after the bees are removed.

Step 4: Avoid Using DIY Sprays

Store-bought sprays may not reach deep enough into the tunnels to eliminate the eggs and larvae. Incomplete treatment leads to repeat infestations and faster wood damage.

Step 5: Call a Professional for Safe Removal

Professionals use safe, targeted treatments that reach deep inside the tunnels, eliminating active bees and preventing new colonies. They also seal entry points properly to stop future nesting.

Companies like Protective Pest Management handle carpenter bee infestations using proven, family-safe, and long-lasting methods for effective control.

Preventing Carpenter Bees From Returning

Once carpenter bees are removed, prevention is key.

Paint or Seal Exposed Wood

Carpenter bees prefer untreated or weathered wood. Applying:

• Paint
  
  
• Stain
  
  
• Varnish
  
  
• Sealant
  
  

makes the surface far less attractive.

Repair Weathered Structures

Replace rotten or moisture-damaged wood. Carpenter bees target soft or aging materials first.

Install Bee Barriers

Some outdoor areas benefit from mesh screens or physical barriers to reduce nesting sites.

Use Hardwood for New Builds

Pressure-treated lumber and hardwood are less appealing to carpenter bees.

Regularly Inspect Wooded Areas

Spring inspections help catch new bee activity before nests grow larger.

Why You Should Not Ignore Carpenter Bees

Even though carpenter bees help pollinate flowers and are not highly aggressive, ignoring an infestation can lead to costly problems.

Structural Damage

Repeated drilling can weaken decks, soffits, and railings.

Woodpecker Damage

Woodpeckers often attack carpenter bee tunnels to eat larvae, causing even more destruction.

Expanding Tunnels Each Year

Bees often return and extend old tunnels, creating deeper and wider cavities.

Increased Infestations

Leaving tunnels open invites new bees since pheromones remain inside the wood.

People Also Ask

Do carpenter bees sting?

Males cannot sting. Females can sting, but rarely do unless threatened.

Do carpenter bees return every year?

Yes. They reuse old tunnels and expand them each season if not treated.

Are carpenter bees dangerous to homes?

Yes. Over time, their tunnels can weaken wood and attract woodpeckers.

How do professionals get rid of carpenter bees?

They apply targeted treatments inside tunnels, remove bees safely, and seal the holes to prevent future nesting.

FAQ Section

When are carpenter bees most active?

They are most active in spring and early summer when they search for nesting sites.

Can I treat carpenter bees by myself?

DIY sprays rarely reach the deep parts of the tunnels. Professional treatment is more effective.

Will painting my deck stop carpenter bees?

Painting or sealing wood makes it less appealing, but prevention is most effective after treatment.

Can carpenter bees damage treated wood?

They prefer untreated wood, but older treated materials can still be penetrated.

How can I keep them away permanently?

Regular inspections, sealing tunnels, painting wood, and professional prevention treatments are the most reliable solutions.

Call for a Free Quote

If you spot carpenter bees outside your home, acting quickly can prevent long-term wood damage. Call Protective Pest Management today at (814) 244-0067 or fill out our online form to request a free quote. Our expert team removes carpenter bees safely and protects your home from future infestations.