Are Carpenter Bees Damaging Your Deck or Fence?

Carpenter bees can damage your deck or fence, especially if you have untreated, weathered, or soft wood around your home. While they’re important pollinators, carpenter bees drill perfect round holes into wood to create nesting tunnels, and over time, those tunnels can weaken structures, attract woodpeckers, and lead to ongoing repairs.

Carpenter bees are easy to spot in spring and early summer. They look similar to bumblebees, but the key difference is their shiny, hairless black abdomen. You might also see them hovering around wood surfaces, chasing each other, or flying close to your porch or railing.

Common Signs of Carpenter Bee Activity

Keep an eye out for:

• Perfectly round holes (about the size of a dime) in decks, fences, pergolas, and overhangs
• Piles of sawdust beneath holes or along edges
• Yellowish staining near entry holes
• Bee traffic around wooden surfaces
• Tapping or pecking sounds if woodpeckers show up looking for larvae

Even one hole can lead to multiple tunnels inside the wood. Female carpenter bees may return year after year, expanding previous galleries and causing more structural weakening.

Are Carpenter Bees Dangerous?

Carpenter bees are generally not aggressive. Males hover and intimidate but can’t sting, and females only sting when handled. The real threat is the long-term structural damage—not personal safety.

How to Prevent Carpenter Bee Damage

A few simple steps can help protect your property:

• Paint or seal exposed wood—bees prefer untreated surfaces
• Repair or replace damaged boards before they attract more activity
• Fill old carpenter bee holes after treatment to prevent re-nesting
• Use hardwoods when possible, as they’re harder to bore into
• Keep an eye on shaded wooden areas where bees often start galleries

What to Do If You Already Have Carpenter Bees

If you’ve found holes or suspect active tunneling, avoid sealing them immediately—this can trap bees and force them deeper into the wood. It’s best to get in touch with a local bee control company to get an inspection and treat the area so the bees are safely removed or eliminated, and future nesting is prevented.

If you’re dealing with carpenter bees or worrying about damage around your home in Chico, CA or surrounding areas, Sorenson Pest Control can help. We offer effective solutions to protect your wood structures and prevent bees from returning. Contact us for a free quote and professional help!