How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees Without Killing Them

Carpenter bees play a vital role in pollination, but their habit of boring holes into wood can cause damage to your home or property. If you want to get rid of carpenter bees humanely without harming them, there are several effective and eco-friendly methods you can use. This guide outlines natural deterrents, preventive techniques, and relocation strategies to keep these beneficial pollinators away from your wooden structures.

Before taking action, it’s important to understand why carpenter bees nest in wood. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but drill tunnels for laying eggs. They prefer untreated or weathered wood and are usually active in spring and early summer when they are searching for nesting sites.

Carpenter bees are non-aggressive and rarely sting unless provoked. Instead of killing them, you can use repellents and preventive measures to encourage them to relocate.

1. Seal Existing Holes to Prevent Re-Infestation

Carpenter bees often return to the same nesting spots year after year. If you see small, round holes in wooden surfaces, take the following steps:

Wait until late summer or early fall, when bees have left the tunnels.
Fill the holes with wood putty, caulk, or steel wool to prevent them from returning.
Paint or varnish the wood after sealing to create a smooth, unattractive surface for them.

2. Use Citrus Spray as a Natural Bee Repellent

Carpenter bees dislike the strong scent of citrus. To make a natural DIY repellent spray:

Boil citrus peels (lemon, orange, lime) in water for 10–15 minutes.
Let the mixture cool, then strain and pour it into a spray bottle.
Spray around nesting areas, wooden surfaces, and existing holes to keep them away.

For an extra boost, you can add a few drops of citronella or tea tree oil to the spray.

3. Install Bee Houses to Relocate Them

Providing an alternative nesting site can encourage carpenter bees to leave your property. You can:

Purchase or build a bee house with pre-drilled holes and untreated wood.
Place it near existing nests, then move it farther away once bees settle in.
Monitor activity and remove them safely if necessary.

4. Hang Reflective Objects to Deter Bees

Carpenter bees dislike bright, moving reflections. You can hang:

Aluminum foil strips
CDs or reflective wind spinners
Mylar balloons

These items create a visual disturbance that discourages bees from nesting nearby.

5. Use Essential Oils as a Non-Toxic Repellent

Several essential oils act as natural carpenter bee deterrents. Mix a few drops of:

Peppermint oil
Tea tree oil
Eucalyptus oil
Cinnamon oil

With water and white vinegar, spray it around wooden surfaces weekly to repel bees without harming them.

6. Play Loud Sounds to Disrupt Nesting

Carpenter bees are sensitive to vibrations and loud noises. You can:

Place a portable speaker near their nesting area and play music.
Use an ultrasonic pest repeller to create sound waves that drive them away.

This method is especially useful in garages, sheds, and decks.

7. Keep Wood Surfaces Treated and Painted

Carpenter bees prefer bare, untreated wood. To make surfaces less attractive:

Paint or stain wooden structures regularly.
Apply a sealant or polyurethane coating to decks, fences, and siding.
Use pressure-treated lumber for outdoor furniture and structures.

8. Encourage Natural Predators

Introducing or attracting natural predators can help control carpenter bee populations. These include:

Woodpeckers – They feed on carpenter bee larvae.
Praying mantises and dragonflies – They hunt adult bees.
Predatory wasps – They help control various bee species.

Providing bird feeders or a diverse garden can invite these predators into your yard.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to kill carpenter bees to protect your property. By using natural repellents, preventive treatments, and relocation techniques, you can safely keep them away while maintaining a pollinator-friendly environment.

Taking proactive measures before spring will help prevent infestations and ensure that your wooden structures remain intact. With these eco-friendly solutions, you can successfully manage carpenter bees without harming them or disrupting the ecosystem.

FAQs

Are Carpenter Bees Dangerous?

No, carpenter bees are not dangerous to humans. Male carpenter bees do not have stingers, and while females can sting, they rarely do unless directly handled or threatened. However, they can cause structural damage over time by boring tunnels into wood.

why you should not kill carpenter bees?

You should not kill carpenter bees because they are important pollinators that help plants, flowers, and crops thrive. While they can cause minor wood damage, they do not eat wood like termites. Instead of killing them, use natural deterrents like citrus sprays, essential oils, or bee houses to relocate them safely.

Why Do Carpenter Bees Drill Holes in My House?

Carpenter bees drill holes in wood to create nesting tunnels for laying eggs. They prefer untreated, weathered, or softwood surfaces like decks, fences, eaves, and siding. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but excavate it to build safe spaces for their larvae.

How Do I Stop Carpenter Bees from Drilling?

To prevent carpenter bees from drilling into your home:

Paint or stain wood – They prefer bare wood, so a protective coating deters them.
Apply citrus or essential oil sprays – Strong scents like citrus, peppermint, and tea tree oil repel them.
Use aluminum foil or reflective objects – Hanging shiny objects scares them away.
Provide an alternative nesting site – Installing bee houses encourages them to move elsewhere.