Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees but have a shiny, hairless abdomen. Rather than nesting in the ground, females bore perfectly round, dime-sized holes into bare or weathered wood — eaves, fascia, decks, railings, and trim — then tunnel along the grain to lay eggs.
A single hole is minor, but bees return and expand the tunnels year after year, and woodpeckers often enlarge them chasing the larvae causing far more damage than the carpenter bees themselves. Over time this causes real damage. Treating and sealing the galleries stops the cycle.
How to identify
- Large, about 1 inch, with a shiny black abdomen
- Males hover aggressively but cannot sting
- Perfectly round 3/8-inch holes in bare wood
Signs of an infestation
- Round holes in eaves, fascia, decks, and trim
- Yellow staining or sawdust below the holes
- Bees hovering around wood structures in spring
Risks & concerns
- Progressive structural damage to wood over years
- Secondary damage from woodpeckers
- Females can sting but rarely do
How we treat carpenter bees
We treat the galleries to eliminate the bees, then recommend sealing and finishing the wood so it’s no longer attractive for nesting.
Frequently asked questions
Treat the existing galleries to eliminate the bees, then seal and finish (paint or stain) the bare wood — carpenter bees strongly prefer unfinished wood, so finishing eaves, fascia, and trim removes the attraction for future seasons. The only complete prevention is to replace exposed exterior wooden surfaces with a suitable alternative building material like concrete board.
Yes, over time. A single hole is minor, but bees return and expand the same tunnels year after year, and woodpeckers often enlarge them chasing the larvae — leading to real structural wear if left untreated.
Carpenter Bees control
Get rid of carpenter bees for good
Call or text to find the best solution for your pest problem. Appointments are typically available within 24 hours.