Stinging insects
Carpenter Bees: identification, signs & control
Are carpenter bees damaging my house?
Yes, carpenter bees can damage a house over time. Females drill perfectly round half-inch holes into fascia, soffits, decks and rails, then tunnel along the grain to lay eggs. The galleries grow every year, and woodpeckers tear up the wood hunting larvae. Rehoboth treats up to 10 holes as part of its general pest plan.
How do you identify carpenter bees?
- Large, robust bees that look like bumblebees
- Shiny, mostly bare black abdomen (bumblebees are fuzzy all over)
- Males hover aggressively near your face but can't sting
What are the signs of carpenter bees?
- Perfectly round 1/2-inch holes in wood
- Coarse sawdust piles below the holes
- Yellow-brown stains below holes
- Woodpecker damage on trim
Are carpenter bees dangerous?
- Structural weakening of trim and decks after years of reuse
- Woodpecker damage
- Females can sting if handled
How can you prevent carpenter bees?
- Paint or stain bare wood; they prefer untreated, weathered wood
- Replace badly damaged boards
- Treat early in spring before new galleries are drilled
How does Rehoboth treat carpenter bees?
Up to 10 holes are included in our four-season plan; beyond that we offer an intensive carpenter bee plan. Each hole is treated, and holes are sealed once activity stops.
More questions
Should I plug the holes right away?
Not until activity stops. Plugging an active gallery can trap bees that then chew a new exit. We'll tell you when it's time to seal.
Get rid of carpenter bees
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll inspect, explain what we find and recommend the lightest plan that will actually work.