Carpenter Bee Control
Carpenter bees drill nickel-sized holes in eaves, fascia, decks, and porch trim. Damage compounds year after year.
Identification
Large (3/4–1 inch), shiny black abdomen, resemble bumblebees but with hairless bellies.
Biology
Females drill galleries and lay eggs in cells; new bees emerge in late summer.
Behavior
Males hover territorially but cannot sting; females sting only if handled. Prefer unpainted or weathered softwood.
Health Risks
Minimal — females rarely sting.
Property Damage
Cumulative wood damage; woodpeckers dramatically enlarge holes hunting the larvae.
Signs You Have a Problem
- Perfectly round holes 1/2 inch in eaves or trim
- Sawdust below entry holes
- Bees hovering around fascia in spring
Our Inspection Process
Our licensed technicians perform a thorough interior and exterior inspection to confirm carpenter bees activity, identify harborage, moisture, and food sources, and map entry points. Findings are documented with photos and a written treatment plan tailored to your Hudson Valley, NY home.
Treatment Process
Dust each gallery, plug holes after activity ceases, exterior residual treatment on preferred wood surfaces, guidance on painting and staining raw wood.
Integrated Pest Management
Urbanxterminator uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for carpenter bees: inspection, monitoring, sanitation guidance, mechanical exclusion, targeted low-impact products, and follow-up verification. We prioritize methods that are effective for you and your family while minimizing environmental impact.
Prevention Tips
- Paint or stain exposed wood (they avoid finished surfaces)
- Fill previous galleries with wood putty
- Replace severely damaged trim