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Carpenter bees (Xylocopa) drill 1/2 inch holes in unpainted wood to lay eggs. Common throughout Florida, they damage decks, eaves, fascia, and outdoor furniture. Here is the treatment guide.
How to identify carpenter bees
- Look like large bumblebees but with shiny black abdomen (bumblebees have furry abdomens).
- 3/4 to 1 inch long.
- Males hover aggressively but cannot sting.
- Females can sting but rarely do.
Signs of carpenter bee damage
- Perfectly round 1/2 inch holes in unpainted wood.
- Sawdust piles below entry holes.
- Yellow staining (urine) below holes.
- Hovering male carpenter bees defending entrance.
Where they target
- Unpainted cedar siding.
- Deck railings and posts.
- Eaves and fascia boards.
- Outdoor furniture.
- Wooden play structures.
Treatment protocol
Step 1: Treat existing holes
Spray Bifen IT or carpenter bee-specific dust into each hole at dusk. Wait 24 hours.
Step 2: Plug holes
Caulk or wood putty after treatment confirmed. Some bees may emerge through new wood — plug only after 1 week of no activity.
Step 3: Paint or stain wood
Carpenter bees avoid painted wood. The most-effective long-term prevention is painting or solid-staining all wood structures.
Step 4: Treat new wood preemptively
Before installing new outdoor wood structures, treat with Bora-Care wood preservative.
Repair hole damage
Wood putty + sanding + paint repairs cosmetic damage. For structural damage in load-bearing wood, replacement is required.
Verdict
Carpenter bees are best controlled via paint/stain on all exterior wood + spot treatment of existing holes with Bifen IT. Cedar and unpainted wood are most-vulnerable; consider painting before damage occurs.
Reminder: Always read product labels and follow manufacturer safety instructions.