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

I understand the frustration of discovering perfectly good lumber riddled with holes. It’s a sight that can make any woodworker groan. Wood boring bees, while fascinating creatures, can be a real nuisance, especially when they decide your meticulously stacked lumber or even your shed siding is the perfect place to call home. This article is for you, the woodworker, the homeowner, the person who values the integrity of wood and wants to protect it without resorting to harmful chemicals. I’ll share my tried-and-true methods for dealing with these buzzing excavators, offering practical solutions and pro tips to help you reclaim your wood and keep those bees at bay. Let’s get to work!

Understanding Wood Boring Bees: A Woodworker’s Guide

Before we dive into eradication, it’s crucial to understand our opponent. Not all bees are created equal, and misidentification can lead to ineffective (or even harmful) treatment.

Carpenter Bees vs. Other Wood-Loving Insects

Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) are often confused with bumblebees, but there are key differences. Carpenter bees have a shiny, black abdomen, while bumblebees are fuzzy and yellow. Unlike termites or wood-boring beetles, carpenter bees don’t eat wood. They excavate tunnels for nesting, leaving behind a telltale sign: perfectly round, half-inch diameter holes.

Why They Target Your Wood: Preferences and Vulnerabilities

Carpenter bees are attracted to unfinished wood, especially weathered surfaces. They prefer wood that is easily workable, which is why softwoods are their favorite. They also tend to nest in areas that are protected from the elements, such as under eaves, in porch ceilings, or inside sheds. Understanding these preferences is the first step in making your wood less attractive to them.

Prevention is the Best Cure: Protecting Your Wood from the Start

As any seasoned woodworker knows, proactive measures are far more effective (and less frustrating) than reactive ones. Let’s explore some preventative strategies.

Surface Treatments: Sealants, Paints, and Preservatives

The single most effective way to deter carpenter bees is to treat your wood surfaces. A coat of paint or varnish acts as a physical barrier, making it difficult for the bees to bore into the wood. I’ve found that oil-based paints tend to be more effective than latex paints, as they penetrate the wood better and provide a more durable finish.

Paints: Apply at least two coats of high-quality exterior paint to all exposed wood surfaces.
Sealants: Use a wood sealant to fill any cracks or crevices in the wood, as these are prime entry points for carpenter bees.
Preservatives: Consider using a wood preservative that contains copper naphthenate or borate. These chemicals are toxic to carpenter bees but relatively safe for humans and pets when used as directed. (Always read and follow label instructions carefully.) I’ve had good luck with borate-based preservatives, especially for wood that will be exposed to moisture.

Data Point: According to a study by the University of Kentucky, painting wood surfaces can reduce carpenter bee infestations by up to 80%.

Wood Selection: Choosing Less Attractive Materials

While carpenter bees will bore into almost any type of wood, some are less appealing to them than others.

Hardwoods: Dense hardwoods like oak, maple, and ipe are more difficult for carpenter bees to bore into than softwoods. If you’re building something that needs to be particularly resistant to carpenter bees, consider using a hardwood.
Treated Lumber: Pressure-treated lumber is less attractive to carpenter bees, as the chemicals used in the treatment process are often repellent to them. However, be aware that some pressure-treated lumber can be harmful to humans and pets, so always use caution when working with it.

Strategic Placement: Minimize Exposure and Access

Where you store your lumber and where you build your structures can also impact your susceptibility to carpenter bee infestations.

Storage: Store lumber indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you must store lumber outdoors, cover it with a tarp to protect it from the elements.
Construction: Design your structures to minimize exposed wood surfaces. For example, you can use metal flashing to cover the ends of wooden beams.

Personal Story: I once built a beautiful cedar pergola in my backyard, only to find it riddled with carpenter bee holes the following spring. I learned my lesson the hard way. Now, I always treat all exposed wood surfaces with a sealant and paint before assembling any outdoor structures.

Eradication Techniques: Taking Back Your Wood

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, carpenter bees still manage to invade. When that happens, it’s time to take action.

Dusting and Insecticides: A Targeted Approach

The most effective way to kill carpenter bees is to apply a dust insecticide directly into their nest holes.

Dusts: Use a dust insecticide containing deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, or permethrin. These chemicals are highly effective against carpenter bees but relatively safe for humans and pets when used as directed. (Again, always read and follow label instructions carefully.)
Application: Use a duster to puff the insecticide dust into the nest holes. Be sure to wear gloves and a dust mask when applying the insecticide.
Timing: The best time to apply insecticide is in the evening, when the bees are less active.

Unique Insight: I’ve found that using a small bellows duster is more effective than using a larger, pump-style duster. The bellows duster allows you to apply the insecticide more precisely and with less waste.

Plugging and Sealing: Preventing Re-infestation

After you’ve treated the nest holes with insecticide, it’s important to plug them to prevent re-infestation.

Plugs: Use wooden dowels, caulk, or steel wool to plug the holes.
Sealing: After plugging the holes, seal them with paint or sealant.
Timing: Plug the holes a few days after applying the insecticide, to allow the bees to carry the insecticide back to their nests and kill the larvae.

Data Point: A study by Purdue University found that plugging nest holes after insecticide treatment can reduce re-infestation rates by up to 90%.

Natural Alternatives: Exploring Eco-Friendly Options

If you’re concerned about using harsh chemicals, there are some natural alternatives you can try.

Essential Oils: Some essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils, are known to repel carpenter bees. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray it around the nest holes.
Vinegar: Vinegar is another natural repellent. Spray undiluted vinegar around the nest holes.
Citrus Peels: Place citrus peels around the nest holes. The scent of citrus is repellent to carpenter bees.

Personal Story: I’ve had some success using peppermint oil to deter carpenter bees from nesting in my deck. I mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it around the deck every few weeks. It’s not a foolproof solution, but it does seem to help.

Important Note: Natural alternatives are generally less effective than chemical insecticides. You may need to apply them more frequently and may not be able to completely eliminate the infestation.

Advanced Strategies: When the Situation Escalates

Sometimes, a simple dusting and plugging isn’t enough. When you’re dealing with a severe infestation, you may need to employ more advanced strategies.

Trapping: A Passive Approach to Population Control

Carpenter bee traps are designed to lure bees into a container where they cannot escape.

Types: There are several different types of carpenter bee traps available, including hanging traps and ground traps.
Placement: Place the traps near known nesting sites.
Bait: Some traps use a bait to attract the bees. You can also make your own bait by mixing sugar and water.

Unique Insight: I’ve found that hanging traps tend to be more effective than ground traps. The bees are more likely to fly into a hanging trap than to crawl into a ground trap.

Professional Pest Control: Calling in the Experts

If you’ve tried everything else and you’re still struggling with a carpenter bee infestation, it may be time to call in a professional pest control company.

Experience: Pest control professionals have the experience and expertise to effectively eliminate carpenter bee infestations.
Equipment: They also have access to specialized equipment and chemicals that are not available to the general public.
Cost: Keep in mind that hiring a pest control company can be expensive. Be sure to get several quotes before making a decision.

Data Point: According to the National Pest Management Association, the average cost of carpenter bee treatment is between $200 and $500.

Understanding Wood Anatomy and Properties in Relation to Carpenter Bees

To truly combat carpenter bees, it’s beneficial to understand the properties of wood that make it attractive (or unattractive) to them.

Hardwood vs. Softwood: Density and Resistance

As mentioned earlier, hardwoods are generally more resistant to carpenter bees than softwoods due to their density. The denser the wood, the more energy the bee expends to excavate it.

Hardwood: Denser cell structure, tighter grain, higher resistance to boring. Examples: Oak, Maple, Hickory.
Softwood: Less dense cell structure, looser grain, lower resistance to boring. Examples: Pine, Cedar, Redwood.

Data Point: Hardwoods can be up to 5 times denser than softwoods, requiring significantly more energy for carpenter bees to bore through.

Moisture Content: A Hidden Factor

The moisture content of wood can also influence its attractiveness to carpenter bees. Wood with high moisture content is more susceptible to decay, which can make it easier for the bees to excavate. Conversely, excessively dry wood can be brittle and prone to cracking, providing entry points for the bees.

Ideal Moisture Content: Aim for a moisture content between 12% and 15% for exterior wood.
Monitoring: Use a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of your wood.
Prevention: Properly season your lumber and protect it from the elements to maintain optimal moisture content.

Wood Grain and Orientation: Exploiting Weaknesses

Carpenter bees tend to bore along the grain of the wood, as this is the path of least resistance. Understanding the grain orientation can help you identify potential weaknesses in your structures.

End Grain: End grain is particularly vulnerable to carpenter bee infestation.
Protection: Seal end grain with a high-quality sealant or paint to prevent the bees from gaining entry.

Logging Tool Selection and Maintenance Best Practices: A Woodworker’s Arsenal

While logging tools might seem unrelated to carpenter bees, proper wood processing techniques can minimize waste and ensure the wood you use is less attractive to pests.

Chainsaws: Precision Cutting for Minimal Waste

A well-maintained chainsaw is essential for efficient wood processing.

Chain Sharpening: Keep your chain sharp to ensure clean cuts and minimal splintering.
Bar Lubrication: Use a high-quality bar and chain oil to prevent friction and wear.
Maintenance: Regularly clean and inspect your chainsaw to ensure it’s in good working order.

Personal Story: I once spent an entire afternoon trying to cut through a log with a dull chainsaw. It was a frustrating and exhausting experience. Now, I make sure to sharpen my chain before every use.

Wood Splitters: Efficiently Processing Firewood

If you’re processing firewood, a wood splitter can save you a lot of time and effort.

Manual Splitters: Manual splitters are a good option for small-scale firewood processing.
Hydraulic Splitters: Hydraulic splitters are more powerful and can handle larger logs.
Maintenance: Keep your wood splitter clean and lubricated to ensure it operates smoothly.

Moisture Meters: Ensuring Optimal Wood Condition

As mentioned earlier, moisture content is a critical factor in wood preservation.

Pin Meters: Pin meters are inserted into the wood to measure its moisture content.
Pinless Meters: Pinless meters use radio waves to measure moisture content without damaging the wood.
Calibration: Calibrate your moisture meter regularly to ensure accurate readings.

Firewood Seasoning Techniques and Safety Considerations: Minimizing Pest Attraction

Properly seasoned firewood is less attractive to carpenter bees and other wood-boring insects.

The Seasoning Process: Drying Wood for Optimal Burn

Seasoning firewood involves drying it to reduce its moisture content.

Splitting: Split the wood to expose more surface area to the air.
Stacking: Stack the wood in a single row, with gaps between the pieces to allow for air circulation.
Covering: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow.
Location: Choose a sunny, well-ventilated location for your woodpile.

Data Point: Firewood typically takes 6-12 months to season properly.

Safety Considerations: Protecting Yourself and Your Property

Firewood processing can be dangerous.

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection when processing firewood.
Chainsaw Safety: Follow all safety precautions when operating a chainsaw.
Wood Splitting Safety: Use caution when splitting wood, and always wear safety glasses.
Stacking Safety: Stack your firewood in a stable manner to prevent it from collapsing.

Project Planning and Execution: A Holistic Approach to Wood Management

To effectively manage carpenter bees, it’s important to take a holistic approach to wood management, from project planning to execution.

Assessing the Risk: Identifying Potential Problem Areas

Before starting any wood project, assess the risk of carpenter bee infestation.

Location: Consider the location of your project. Is it in an area that is known to be infested with carpenter bees?
Materials: Choose materials that are less attractive to carpenter bees.
Design: Design your project to minimize exposed wood surfaces.

Implementing Preventative Measures: A Proactive Strategy

Implement preventative measures from the outset.

Treatments: Treat all exposed wood surfaces with a sealant and paint.
Construction: Use proper construction techniques to minimize gaps and crevices.
Maintenance: Regularly inspect your project for signs of carpenter bee infestation.

Monitoring and Maintenance: A Continuous Process

Monitoring and maintenance are essential for long-term carpenter bee control.

Regular Inspections: Inspect your wood structures regularly for signs of carpenter bee activity.
Prompt Action: Take prompt action to address any infestations that you find.
Preventative Treatments: Reapply preventative treatments as needed.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Carpenter Bee Management

Let’s examine a couple of real-world examples of carpenter bee management.

Case Study 1: The Cedar Pergola

A homeowner built a beautiful cedar pergola in their backyard. The following spring, they discovered that the pergola was riddled with carpenter bee holes. They treated the nest holes with insecticide and plugged them with wooden dowels. They also applied a sealant and paint to all exposed wood surfaces. The following year, there were no new carpenter bee holes.

Case Study 2: The Wooden Shed

A woodworker built a wooden shed to store their tools. The shed was made of pine, which is a softwood that is attractive to carpenter bees. The woodworker treated the shed with a borate-based wood preservative before assembling it. They also applied a coat of paint to all exposed wood surfaces. The shed has been standing for five years, and there have been no signs of carpenter bee infestation.

Conclusion: A Buzz-Free Future for Your Woodworking Projects

Dealing with carpenter bees can be a persistent challenge, but with a combination of knowledge, proactive prevention, and effective eradication techniques, you can protect your wood and enjoy your woodworking projects without the worry of these buzzing excavators. Remember, understanding their habits, treating your wood, and maintaining vigilance are your best defenses. So, grab your tools, put these tips into practice, and reclaim your wood!