How to Repel Carpenter Bees and Prevent Wood Damage at Home

Why Carpenter Bees Keep Coming Back

What Draws Them In

Carpenter bees are especially fond of untreated, unpainted softwoods like pine or cedar. Think fascia boards, porch railings, and older decks—the kind of spots that are often left vulnerable after a few years of weathering. Sun-facing areas are their favorite nesting zones.

Once they find a place they like, they don’t just visit—they drill into the wood to lay eggs and come back year after year.

Not All Bees Are the Same

It’s easy to confuse carpenter bees with bumblebees, especially since they both hover around your porch. But there’s a key difference: carpenter bees are solitary and tend to be quieter. They have smooth black abdomens (no fuzz like bumblebees) and they don’t build hives—they carve out tunnels in your wood instead.

Telltale Signs of Damage

If you’re dealing with carpenter bees, you’ll likely spot:

• Round, dime-sized holes in wooden trim or siding
  
  
• Tiny piles of sawdust right below those holes
  
  
• Yellowish smudges or staining near the entry point
  
  
• More woodpecker activity than usual (they hunt bee larvae)
  
  

How to Keep Carpenter Bees Away (Without Going Overboard)

Use Citrus or Essential Oils

You don’t have to douse your home in chemicals to make it less attractive to bees. Citrus oil, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are natural repellents. You can boil citrus peels in water to create a spray and apply it to problem areas. Just make sure to reapply after rain.

Try Carpenter Bee Traps

These traps mimic their ideal nesting spots but trap the bees inside. Hanging a few of these near eaves, decks, or fence posts can reduce their numbers over time. It’s not a complete fix, but it helps.

Upgrade to Bee-Proof Materials

If you’re already making updates, consider switching wood trim for aluminum or vinyl. Carpenter bees don’t bother with materials they can’t drill into, so this change can go a long way in keeping them out.

Seal and Paint Any Exposed Wood

One of the simplest ways to repel carpenter bees is to make your wood less appealing in the first place. Paint, stain, or seal any untreated surfaces—especially on decks, fascia, and railings. They’re much more likely to skip over painted wood.

How to Prevent Wood Damage Before It Gets Costly

Give Wood a Fresh Coat

Spring is a good time to walk around your home and look for bare or weathered wood. A fresh coat of paint or sealant doesn’t just improve curb appeal—it makes it harder for carpenter bees to burrow.

Swap Out the Worst Boards

If you’ve got heavily damaged wood, it may be worth replacing it entirely. Treated wood and composite materials are much more resistant to pests and weather.

Plug Old Bee Holes

Already spotted bee tunnels? Plug them with wood filler or caulk, sand them down, and repaint the area. If you leave the holes open, you’re basically inviting next year’s carpenter bees back.

Get Ahead With Seasonal Inspections

You don’t need to be an expert to spot the warning signs. Once a year—especially in spring—check your eaves, overhangs, deck, and fences for new holes or sawdust. The earlier you catch an issue, the easier it is to stop it.

When It’s Time to Bring in a Pro

Why It’s Worth Addressing

A few small holes might not seem like a big deal, but over time, carpenter bee damage adds up. Tunnels weaken boards. Moisture seeps in. Woodpeckers do more harm trying to get at the larvae. What starts out small can turn into a structural issue if it’s left unchecked.

What We Do at Elite Pest and Termite Control

We don’t just treat the bees you can see—we track down where they’re nesting and prevent them from coming back. Our team uses targeted methods that are safe around families and pets while being tough on pests.

We also offer seasonal pest protection plans that include carpenter bee monitoring and prevention for year-round peace of mind.