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HOW TO GET RID OF CARPENTER BEES

Cook's professional technician
Cook's professional technician

HOW TO GET RID OF CARPENTER BEES

Protect Your Home from Wood Damage—Without Harming What Matters  

Carpenter bees may look like bumblebees, but they behave very differently. Instead of building hives, carpenter bees drill small, round holes into wood to create nesting tunnels. Over time, repeated nesting can weaken railings, decks, siding, and outdoor structures.

If you’re seeing perfectly round holes in exposed wood—or noticing increased bee activity around porches and eaves—professional treatment can help reduce activity and protect your property. Cook’s provides targeted carpenter bee control focused on both current nesting and long-term prevention.

Or Call Us Today at 800-239-9898

Signs of Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are most active in spring and early summer, especially around untreated or weathered wood.

Common signs include:

  • Perfectly round holes about the size of a dime
  • Sawdust (frass) beneath wooden surfaces
  • Bees hovering near decks, eaves, fences, or trim
  • Repeated activity in the same wood year after year
Unlike honeybees, carpenter bees nest individually but may reuse and expand tunnels seasonally. Not sure what you’re seeing? Proper identification matters.

Or Call Us Today at 800-239-9898

Lady sitting on deck
WE KNOW PESTS. WE KNOW THE SOUTH.

The Cook’s Advantage

  • Nearly 100 years of trusted pest control experience in the Southeast
  • Locally operated and family-owned since 1928
  • Technicians trained in wood-destroying insect behavior

  • Prompt, courteous service backed by our 110% Satisfaction Guarantee

Or Call Us Today at 800-239-9898

HOW IT WORKS

Cook’s Carpenter Bee Control

Carpenter bees return to the same nesting sites year after year. DIY sprays may reduce visible activity, but they rarely address tunnel systems or prevent future nesting. The Cook’s process focuses on reducing active nesting and discouraging repeat drilling.
  • Inspect & Identify
    We inspect wooden structures for nesting holes, structural risk areas, and contributing conditions.
  • Treat & Control
    Targeted applications are made to active nesting areas to reduce current bee activity.
  • Protect & Deter
    We treat vulnerable surfaces and provide guidance on preventative measures to discourage future nesting.
Family grilling on deck

Protect Your Outdoor Spaces

From relaxing on the deck to maintaining your home’s exterior, wood structures should feel solid and secure. Cook’s helps reduce carpenter bee activity so you can protect your property and enjoy your outdoor spaces with confidence.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re seeing new holes—or returning activity from previous seasons—early treatment can help prevent additional damage. Schedule your Carpenter Bee inspection today and let Cook’s help safeguard your home.

Or Call Us Today at 800-239-9898

Frequently Asked Questions

Do carpenter bees sting?
Male carpenter bees may appear aggressive but cannot sting. Females can sting but rarely do unless handled.
Do carpenter bees damage homes?
Yes. Repeated tunneling can weaken wooden structures over time, especially untreated or exposed wood.
Are carpenter bees pollinators?

Yes. Carpenter bees are important pollinators and play a role in supporting plants and flowering trees. However, when they begin boring into wooden siding, decks, eaves, or trim, they can cause structural damage over time. Cook’s takes a responsible approach to carpenter bee control — focusing on protecting your home while considering the environmental role pollinators play. Treatment strategies are designed to address activity around your structure while minimizing unnecessary impact.

Are carpenter bees the same as bumblebees?

No. Carpenter bees drill into wood to nest, while bumblebees build ground or hive-based nests.

Will carpenter bees come back every year?
They often return to previously used nesting sites. Preventative treatment reduces repeat activity.
Can I fill the holes myself?
Filling untreated holes may trap active bees or encourage new drilling nearby. Professional treatment is recommended before repairs.
Is treatment safe for my family and pets?

Cook’s uses products applied by trained technicians according to label directions.

Can carpenter bee service be bundled?
Yes. Many homeowners combine carpenter bee control with general pest or termite services for broader property protection.