How To Get Rid Of Wood Bees Fast (Pro Tips For Woodworkers)

Introduction: The Buzz About Wood Bees – And Why You Need to Act Fast

Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just trying to protect your deck, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively and quickly get rid of wood bees. I’ll share my tried-and-true methods, focusing on practical, actionable steps you can take right away. We’ll cover everything from identifying wood bee damage to preventative measures that will keep them away for good. Let’s get started!

Understanding Your Enemy: Wood Bee Identification and Habits

Before you can effectively combat wood bees, you need to understand what you’re dealing with. Misidentification is common, and treating for the wrong pest can be a waste of time and resources.

Identifying Wood Bees (Carpenter Bees)

Wood bees, often called carpenter bees, are large, robust bees that resemble bumblebees. However, there are key differences:

Appearance: Unlike fuzzy bumblebees, carpenter bees have a shiny, black, hairless abdomen. They are typically about 1 inch long. Males often have a white or yellow spot on their face.
Nesting Habits: Carpenter bees don’t live in colonies like honeybees. Instead, the female carpenter bee excavates tunnels in wood to lay her eggs. These tunnels are perfectly round, about ½ inch in diameter.
Behavior: Male carpenter bees are territorial and can be quite intimidating, buzzing around your head. However, they cannot sting. The females can sting, but they are generally docile and only sting if provoked.

Recognizing Wood Bee Damage

The telltale sign of wood bee activity is the perfectly round entrance hole they create. I’ve seen these holes in everything from decks and fences to siding, eaves, and even wooden furniture.

Entrance Holes: Look for clean, round holes about ½ inch in diameter. These are typically found on the underside of wooden surfaces.
Frass: You’ll often find piles of coarse sawdust, called frass, beneath the entrance holes. This is the material the bees excavate as they create their tunnels.
Stains: Over time, you may notice stains on the wood around the entrance holes from bee waste and pollen.
Structural Weakness: In severe cases, repeated tunneling can weaken the wood, leading to structural damage. I’ve seen decks collapse and siding crumble due to extensive wood bee infestations.

Wood Bee Lifecycle

Understanding the wood bee lifecycle is crucial for effective control.

Spring Emergence: Adult carpenter bees emerge in the spring to mate and lay eggs.
Tunnel Construction: The female excavates a tunnel in wood, creating a series of cells.
Egg Laying: She lays an egg in each cell and provisions it with a mixture of pollen and nectar.
Larval Development: The larvae hatch and feed on the pollen and nectar, developing into pupae.
Summer Emergence: The new generation of adult bees emerges in late summer or early fall.
Overwintering: Adult bees overwinter in the tunnels and emerge again the following spring.

Takeaway: Correctly identifying wood bees and their damage is the first step toward effective control. Look for the characteristic round holes, frass, and shiny black abdomen of the bees themselves.

Immediate Action: Getting Rid of Active Wood Bees

When you spot active wood bees, it’s time to take immediate action. Here are some effective methods I’ve used:

Insecticide Dusts

Insecticide dusts are my go-to method for directly treating wood bee tunnels.

How They Work: These dusts contain insecticides that kill the bees when they come into contact with them. The bees carry the dust back into their tunnels, spreading it to the larvae.
Recommended Products: I recommend using dusts containing active ingredients like deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, or permethrin. These are readily available at most hardware stores.
Application: Using a duster, puff the insecticide dust directly into the entrance holes. Do this in the evening when the bees are less active.
Safety Precautions: Always wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection when applying insecticide dusts. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Liquid Insecticides

Liquid insecticides can also be effective, especially for treating larger areas.

How They Work: Liquid insecticides kill the bees on contact and can also provide a residual effect, preventing new bees from nesting.
Recommended Products: Look for liquid insecticides containing active ingredients like bifenthrin or cypermethrin.
Application: Use a garden sprayer to apply the insecticide to the affected areas, focusing on the entrance holes and surrounding wood.
Safety Precautions: As with dusts, always wear protective gear and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Plugging the Holes

After treating the tunnels with insecticide, it’s important to plug the holes to prevent re-infestation.

When to Plug: Wait a few days after applying the insecticide to ensure that the bees are dead.
Materials: You can use a variety of materials to plug the holes, including wood putty, caulk, or even steel wool. I prefer wood putty for a clean, professional look.
How to Plug: Fill the holes completely with the chosen material. For larger holes, you may need to use multiple applications.
Painting or Staining: Once the putty or caulk is dry, you can paint or stain it to match the surrounding wood.

Takeaway: Immediate action is crucial for controlling active wood bee infestations. Use insecticide dusts or liquids to kill the bees, then plug the holes to prevent re-infestation.

Long-Term Prevention: Keeping Wood Bees Away

Getting rid of wood bees is only half the battle. To prevent them from returning, you need to implement long-term preventative measures.

Wood Preservation

Proper wood preservation is essential for preventing wood bee infestations.

Painting or Staining: Painting or staining wood provides a protective barrier that deters wood bees. I recommend using oil-based paints or stains, as they penetrate the wood better and provide longer-lasting protection.
Pressure-Treated Wood: Using pressure-treated wood for decks, fences, and other outdoor structures is a great way to prevent wood bee damage. Pressure-treated wood is infused with chemicals that make it resistant to insects and decay.
Borate Treatments: Borate treatments are another effective way to protect wood from wood bees. Borates are natural minerals that are toxic to insects but safe for humans and pets. You can apply borate solutions to wood surfaces or even inject them into existing tunnels.

Wood Choice

The type of wood you use can also affect its susceptibility to wood bee damage.

Hardwoods vs. Softwoods: Wood bees prefer softwoods like pine, cedar, and redwood. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut are less attractive to them.
Heartwood vs. Sapwood: Heartwood, the inner core of the tree, is denser and more resistant to insects than sapwood, the outer layer. When possible, choose lumber with a high proportion of heartwood.
Naturally Resistant Woods: Some woods, like cypress and teak, are naturally resistant to insects due to their high oil content. These woods are a good choice for outdoor projects where wood bee damage is a concern.

Habitat Modification

You can also make your property less attractive to wood bees by modifying their habitat.

Remove Decaying Wood: Wood bees are attracted to decaying wood. Remove any rotting logs, stumps, or other sources of decaying wood from your property.
Seal Cracks and Crevices: Seal any cracks and crevices in wooden structures to prevent wood bees from nesting.
Provide Alternative Nesting Sites: Consider providing alternative nesting sites for wood bees, such as drilled blocks of wood placed away from your home. This can help to divert them from your desirable wooden structures.

Visual Deterrents

Visual deterrents can be helpful in scaring away wood bees and preventing them from nesting.

Fake Bee Nests: Hanging fake bee nests near your wooden structures can deter wood bees from nesting in the area. Wood bees are territorial and will avoid areas where they think other bees are already nesting.
Shiny Objects: Wood bees are repelled by shiny objects. Hanging shiny streamers, aluminum foil, or CDs near your wooden structures can help to keep them away.
Bright Colors: Wood bees are also repelled by bright colors. Painting your wooden structures in bright colors can help to deter them from nesting.

Takeaway: Long-term prevention is key to keeping wood bees away. Focus on wood preservation, wood choice, habitat modification, and visual deterrents.

Advanced Techniques: Dealing with Severe Infestations

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, wood bee infestations can become severe. In these cases, you may need to resort to more advanced techniques.

Professional Pest Control

When dealing with severe infestations, it’s often best to call in a professional pest control company.

Expertise: Pest control professionals have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to effectively treat wood bee infestations.
Targeted Treatments: They can use targeted treatments to eliminate the bees and prevent them from returning.
Structural Repairs: They can also assess the extent of the damage and recommend necessary structural repairs.
Cost Considerations: While hiring a pest control company can be expensive, it can be a worthwhile investment in protecting your property. I’ve seen homeowners spend thousands of dollars on DIY treatments that ultimately failed, only to end up hiring a professional anyway.

Wood Replacement

In cases of severe damage, wood replacement may be necessary.

Assessing the Damage: Carefully assess the extent of the damage to determine which areas need to be replaced.
Choosing Replacement Wood: Choose replacement wood that is resistant to wood bee damage, such as pressure-treated wood or a naturally resistant hardwood.
Proper Installation: Ensure that the replacement wood is properly installed to prevent future infestations.
Preventative Measures: Take preventative measures to protect the new wood from wood bee damage, such as painting or staining it.

Boron Rods

Boron rods are a more advanced treatment option for protecting wood from wood bees.

How They Work: Boron rods are small, cylindrical rods that are inserted into pre-drilled holes in the wood. The boron slowly diffuses into the wood, making it toxic to wood bees and other wood-boring insects.
Application: Drill holes into the wood at regular intervals and insert the boron rods. The number and spacing of the holes will depend on the size and type of wood.
Long-Term Protection: Boron rods provide long-term protection against wood bee damage. They can last for up to 10 years, depending on the climate and the type of wood.
Professional Installation: While you can install boron rods yourself, it’s often best to have them installed by a professional. They can ensure that the rods are properly placed and that the wood is adequately protected.

Takeaway: Severe wood bee infestations may require professional pest control, wood replacement, or advanced treatments like boron rods.

Natural and Alternative Methods: Exploring Eco-Friendly Options

For those who prefer natural and alternative methods, there are several options for controlling wood bees.

Essential Oils

Some essential oils have been shown to repel wood bees.

Recommended Oils: Peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils are all effective at repelling wood bees.
Application: Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around the affected areas. You can also soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them near the entrance holes.
Reapplication: Reapply the essential oils regularly, especially after rain.
Limitations: Essential oils are not as effective as insecticides, but they can be a good option for those who are looking for a natural alternative.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from fossilized algae.

How It Works: DE is abrasive and dehydrating to insects. When wood bees come into contact with it, it damages their exoskeletons and causes them to dry out and die.
Application: Puff DE into the entrance holes and around the affected areas.
Safety Precautions: Wear a mask when applying DE, as it can be irritating to the lungs.
Limitations: DE is only effective when it is dry. It will need to be reapplied after rain.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another natural repellent that can be used to deter wood bees.

How It Works: The strong smell of vinegar repels wood bees.
Application: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture around the affected areas.
Reapplication: Reapply the vinegar solution regularly, especially after rain.
Limitations: Vinegar is not as effective as insecticides, but it can be a good option for those who are looking for a natural alternative.

Traps

Wood bee traps can be used to capture and kill wood bees.

How They Work: Wood bee traps are designed to attract wood bees with a scent lure. Once the bees enter the trap, they cannot escape and eventually die.
Placement: Place the traps near the affected areas, but away from areas where people and pets frequent.
Maintenance: Empty the traps regularly and replace the scent lure as needed.
Limitations: Wood bee traps are not always effective, but they can be a helpful tool in controlling wood bee populations.

Takeaway: Natural and alternative methods can be effective for controlling wood bees, but they may require more frequent application and may not be as effective as insecticides.

Safety First: Protecting Yourself and the Environment

When dealing with wood bees, it’s important to prioritize safety.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling insecticides or other chemicals.

Gloves: Wear chemical-resistant gloves to protect your skin from contact with insecticides.
Mask: Wear a mask to protect your lungs from inhaling insecticide dust or spray.
Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from splashes.
Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from contact with insecticides.

Safe Application Techniques

Follow safe application techniques when applying insecticides or other chemicals.

Read the Label: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Apply in the Evening: Apply insecticides in the evening when the bees are less active.
Avoid Windy Days: Avoid applying insecticides on windy days, as the spray can drift and contaminate unintended areas.
Protect Water Sources: Protect water sources, such as wells and streams, from contamination.
Keep Children and Pets Away: Keep children and pets away from the treated areas until the insecticide has dried.

Environmental Considerations

Be mindful of the environment when using insecticides or other chemicals.

Use Sparingly: Use insecticides sparingly and only when necessary.
Avoid Non-Target Species: Avoid spraying insecticides on non-target species, such as honeybees and other beneficial insects.
Dispose of Properly: Dispose of empty insecticide containers properly, following local regulations.
Consider Alternatives: Consider using natural and alternative methods whenever possible to minimize the impact on the environment.

Takeaway: Safety should always be a top priority when dealing with wood bees. Wear appropriate PPE, follow safe application techniques, and be mindful of the environment.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Wood Bee Control

To illustrate the effectiveness of these methods, let’s look at some real-world case studies.

Case Study 1: Deck Infestation

A homeowner in Massachusetts had a severe wood bee infestation on their wooden deck. The bees had created numerous tunnels in the deck boards, causing structural damage.

Solution: The homeowner hired a pest control company to treat the infestation. The pest control company applied an insecticide dust to the tunnels and then plugged the holes with wood putty. They also recommended that the homeowner seal the deck with a waterproof sealant to prevent future infestations.
Results: The treatment was successful in eliminating the wood bees and preventing them from returning. The homeowner also repaired the structural damage to the deck.

Case Study 2: Siding Damage

A homeowner in California had wood bee damage to their wooden siding. The bees had created entrance holes in the siding, causing it to rot.

Solution: The homeowner decided to try a natural approach. They applied a mixture of essential oils to the siding and also hung fake bee nests near the affected areas.
Results: The essential oils and fake bee nests were effective in deterring the wood bees from nesting in the siding. The homeowner also replaced the damaged siding with pressure-treated wood.

Case Study 3: Barn Infestation

A farmer in Iowa had a wood bee infestation in their wooden barn. The bees had created tunnels in the barn’s support beams, weakening the structure.

Solution: The farmer used boron rods to protect the barn’s support beams. They drilled holes into the beams and inserted the boron rods.
Results: The boron rods provided long-term protection against wood bee damage. The farmer also repaired the structural damage to the barn.

Takeaway: These case studies demonstrate that a variety of methods can be effective for controlling wood bee infestations. The best approach will depend on the severity of the infestation and your personal preferences.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best strategies, you may encounter challenges. Here’s how to troubleshoot common wood bee problems.

Bees Return After Treatment

If bees return after you’ve treated the tunnels, it could be due to several reasons:

Incomplete Treatment: You may not have applied enough insecticide to kill all the bees and larvae. Try reapplying the insecticide, making sure to thoroughly saturate the tunnels.
New Infestation: New bees may be moving into the area. Continue to monitor your property for new activity and take preventative measures.
Untreated Wood: The bees may be nesting in untreated wood nearby. Inspect your entire property for signs of wood bee damage and treat any affected areas.

Holes Are Too Large to Plug

If the holes are too large to plug with wood putty or caulk, try using steel wool as a filler.

Pack the Hole: Stuff the hole with steel wool, making sure it is tightly packed.
Apply Putty or Caulk: Apply wood putty or caulk over the steel wool to seal the hole.
Painting or Staining: Once the putty or caulk is dry, you can paint or stain it to match the surrounding wood.

Natural Methods Aren’t Working

If natural methods aren’t working, it may be time to consider using insecticides.

Ladder Safety: Always use a ladder safely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Extension Pole: Use an extension pole to apply insecticides or other treatments to high areas.
Professional Assistance: If you’re not comfortable working at heights, consider hiring a professional pest control company.

Takeaway: Troubleshooting common problems can help you overcome challenges and achieve successful wood bee control.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Wood from Buzzing Pests

Wood bees can be a nuisance, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can effectively get rid of them and protect your wooden structures. Remember to identify the bees correctly, take immediate action when you spot active infestations, and implement long-term preventative measures.

By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can keep your wood safe from these buzzing pests and enjoy your outdoor spaces without worry. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re dealing with a severe infestation or if you’re not comfortable handling insecticides.

With a little effort and vigilance, you can win the battle against wood bees and keep your wood looking its best for years to come.