Picture this: It’s a warm summer morning in New England. You step out onto your deck with coffee in hand, ready to soak up some sun—and suddenly, you’re under aerial assault by what appears to be a chubby, buzzing daredevil. Meet the carpenter bee: the uninvited guest that’s turning your deck into its summer construction project. So, are carpenter bees destroying your deck? Read on to find out.
Meet the Buzzing Bandits
Carpenter bees are often mistaken for their friendlier, fuzzier cousins, bumblebees. But here’s a quick ID guide: if it has a shiny black rear end with little to no fuzz, it’s a carpenter bee. The males are the dramatic ones—dive-bombing intruders and hovering menacingly—but don’t worry, they don’t have stingers. That intimidating act? All bark, no bite.
The females, on the other hand, are the strong, silent type. They do the drilling—chewing into your wooden railings and beams to lay eggs. And yes, they can sting if provoked. So maybe let them have their space… or better yet, evict them entirely.
Damage That’s More Than Just Surface-Level
Despite their name, carpenter bees don’t eat wood. They excavate it. Their signature move? Perfectly round half-inch holes—usually under railings, overhangs and deck boards. Below the hole, you’ll often see “frass,” a fancy term for sawdust and bee poop. Charming.
At first, it might seem cosmetic. But left unchecked, carpenter bees reuse and expand these tunnels each year, creating a network of galleries that can eventually weaken your structure. And to add insult to injury, woodpeckers love to dig into these tunnels to snack on larvae, turning a little hole into a full-blown excavation site.
How to Fight Back
The best way to deal with carpenter bees? Stop them before they start.
- Paint and stain: Carpenter bees prefer untreated or weathered wood. To them, a fresh coat of paint or stain is like garlic to a vampire.
- Use tougher wood: Hardwoods or pressure-treated lumber are less appealing.
- Seal the deal: Don’t give these pests a head start. Caulk old nail holes and cracks
If a few bees have already started drilling, treat holes after they’ve left for the season, and plug them up to prevent return visits.
But if the bees have turned your deck into a buzzing condo complex, it’s time to call in the pros. Our Braman techs are trained to inspect, treat and protect your home using proven methods—without putting your safety or your summer plans at risk.
Your Deck Deserves Better
Carpenter bees may be part of the New England spring soundtrack, but they don’t belong in your backyard. Whether you’re dealing with a few pesky visitors or a full-on infestation, we’ve got your back—and your deck.
Call us today at 800-338-6757 or request a quote online to schedule a carpenter bee inspection. For even greater protection, enroll in our MultiPest Plan and get year-round protection from a wide variety of common New England pests, including bees.