How Do You Get Rid of Carpenter Bees?

Carpenter bees might not be as aggressive as other stinging pests in our area, but that doesn’t mean they are harmless. They likely won’t sting you, but they will certainly cause destruction in the wood-constructed areas around your home like your deck. That’s because they are busy making their nests safely inside the wood—not because they are having a snack like other wood-loving pests. Learn how you can get rid of carpenter bees.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

Like the adorable bumblebees, carpenter bees are important pollinators, so the most environmentally friendly approach for kicking them out of your space is to send them packing while alive!

• Vacuum. You can place your vacuum cleaner’s smallest attachment over a carpenter bee hole and suck them out. This is an especially good job for your shop vac! You can also agitate the nest with a stick and vacuum them out of the air as they emerge.
• Get loud! Carpenter bees are sensitive to loud noise and vibrations. Drive them from their nests by playing loud music (preferably with a thumping bass line for the vibration). And for your neighbor’s sake, we recommend not doing this late at night! Once the bees have vacated the nest, either vacuum them or swat them down with a tennis racket and plug the hole from which they emerged
• Plug the holes. Caulk, putty, or steel wool can be used as a way to entrap carpenter bees. Apply the material to cover up the holes they’ve made and paint over it. They will have to go find another place to call their own.
• Try a homemade spray. Like many other insects, carpenter bees don’t long strong smells (citrus, certain oils, garlic, vinegar, etc.). Learn how you can make your own carpenter bee spray with supplies you likely already have at home.
• Call the professionals at Green Pest Solutions. While carpenter bees aren’t the toughest stinging pests to get rid of, it can certainly be a challenge! Skip all of the DIY methods and contact Green Pest Solutions today. We service Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, and know just how to handle all of your pest problems. Call us today at 855-312-7157 to learn more.