Carpenter Bee Removal & Control

Every critter has their own story.

The secret of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a proven, cost-eﬀective strategy to combat pest problems without unnecessary pesticide use, is to understand the life-cycle of the pest that is pestering.

What do carpenter bees look like and why are they concerning?

Carpenter bees get their name from their nesting behavior; nearly all species burrow into hard plant material such as dead wood, or even bamboo. Carpenter bees are black and yellow, and they are about 1 inch long.

Where do carpenter bees live?

Carpenter Bees prefer aged and unfinished wood. They generally start by tunneling under decks that don’t have a varnish or paint finish.

Why do I have a carpenter bee problem?

Carpenter bees are attracted to untreated wood, especially when it is weathered or cracked. They prefer softer woods, like cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood.

When are carpenter bees active?

Carpenter bees begin activity near the end of winter, when the weather starts warming up. Those that survived the winter begin mating in April and May, which is when they are most commonly encountered.