Are Carpenter Bees Damaging Your Deck or Fence?
If you’ve noticed small, round holes in your wooden deck or fence, or perhaps heard a persistent buzzing around your outdoor spaces, carpenter bees might be the culprits. These industrious insects are known for their wood-burrowing habits, and while they rarely cause severe structural damage, their presence can be concerning for homeowners who want to protect their outdoor investments.
At Specter Pest Control, we understand that homeowners want safe, effective, and lasting solutions to protect their homes and yards. In this article, we’ll explore how carpenter bees behave, what kind of damage they cause, and what you can do to prevent or manage an infestation.
What Are Carpenter Bees?
Carpenter bees are large, robust bees that resemble bumblebees but have a shiny, hairless black abdomen. Unlike termites or powderpost beetles that consume wood, carpenter bees excavate tunnels in wood to create nests. They prefer untreated, weathered, or softwood surfaces—often choosing decks, fences, eaves, and other wooden structures for their nests.
How Do Carpenter Bees Damage Wood?
While carpenter bees don’t eat wood, their nesting tunnels can still cause problems over time:
- Tunnel Boring: Female carpenter bees drill perfectly round holes, about 1/2 inch in diameter, to create nest galleries that run about 6–10 inches deep.
- Surface Damage: Multiple tunnels clustered together can weaken wood and cause surface splintering.
- Cosmetic Issues: The holes and sawdust-like material called frass around the entrance can be unsightly.
- Potential for Secondary Damage: The tunnels can invite moisture and wood-decaying fungi, which can worsen wood deterioration if left untreated.
Signs You Have Carpenter Bees
If you suspect carpenter bees are active around your deck or fence, look for these signs:
- Round holes approximately 1/2 inch wide in exposed wood surfaces.
- Buzzing sounds near wooden structures, especially in the spring and early summer when bees are actively nesting.
- Sawdust-like frass accumulating below the holes or on horizontal surfaces.
- Visible carpenter bees hovering around or entering holes, usually solitary females.
How to Prevent Carpenter Bee Damage
Here are practical steps homeowners can take to deter carpenter bees and protect their wood structures:
- Seal and paint exposed wood: Carpenter bees prefer untreated wood. Painting or sealing your deck or fence can make it less attractive for nesting.
- Use hardwood or treated lumber: When building or repairing, choose materials less favored by carpenter bees.
- Fill old tunnels: After the bees have left, fill existing holes with wood putty or caulk to discourage reuse.
- Maintain your wood surfaces: Regularly inspect and maintain decks and fences to catch early signs of infestation.
When to Call Specter Pest Control
While prevention helps, carpenter bees can be persistent. If you notice multiple active nests or significant damage, professional intervention may be needed. At Specter Pest Control, we offer safe and targeted treatments that address carpenter bee infestations effectively without harming beneficial pollinators.
Our technicians will inspect your property, identify problem areas, and apply treatments that disrupt nesting behavior and reduce future risk. We also provide advice on wood maintenance and long-term prevention.
Protect Your Deck and Fence Today
Don’t let carpenter bees undermine your outdoor spaces or peace of mind. Schedule your free home inspection today with Specter Pest Control to get expert help protecting your home with modern, safe, and reliable pest control solutions. Trust your local family-owned team to keep your property pest-free all year round.
