However, when they make their homes close to yours, they can inadvertently cause harm to wooden structures.

Meet the Expert

What Are Carpenter Bees?

4 Ways to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

There are several ways toeliminate the threatof carpenter bees.

how to get rid of carpenter bees

AwakenedEye / iStock / Getty Images Plus

These traps are made from wood because thats what the bees are after in the first place.

They’re usually easy to install on your house or other structures.

The trap typically has angled holes that will draw the bees in.

carpenter bee

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Why Do Carpenter Bees Drill Holes?

Thats why female carpenter bees bore holes through wood, making individual spots for eggs.

Its easier for these hard-working expectant mamas to work with wood thats unfinished or worn out.

Bumblebee (left); carpenter bee (right)

Bumblebee (left); carpenter bee (right)Flickr usersBob Peterson(CC by SA license) andDavid Hill(CC license)

Softwoods make the work easier, though some carpenter bee species prefer hardwood nurseries to protect their developing larvae.

What Level of Damage Can Carpenter Bees Cause?

Quite a bit, according to Harlow-Ellis.

If this sounds like a major threat to your homes structure, youd be right.

But it could get even worse.

When to Call a Professional

Spotting one or two carpenter bees isnt necessarily cause for immediate concern.

But thats of little relief to you if youre allergic to bee stings.

Then, theres the potential structural damage to consider.

The decision to seek professional help hinges on the extent of damage and other risks, she says.

Buick recommends painting or staining wood to prevent future attacks.

Buick says citrus is positively repellent to carpenter bees, as is lavender oil and citronella oil.

Pick the one thatyoudont mind smelling and mix a few drops of the essential oil with water.

Male carpenter bees dont have stingers, but the females sure do.

Painting unfinished wood can help, as it makes the surface that much more difficult to bore through.

So can filling in any holes with dowels or wood putty to keep bees from burrowing.

Carpenter Bees | University of Maryland Extension.