CARPENTER BEE CONTROL
Carpenter Bee Control in Richmond & Mechanicsville, VA
Protect Your Home from Carpenter Bee Damage
Carpenter bees may look similar to bumblebees, but they behave very differently. Instead of building hives, carpenter bees bore perfectly round holes into wood to create tunnels for nesting. Over time, repeated nesting can damage decks, fences, siding, eaves, fascia boards, and other wooden structures.
At Allied Termite & Pest Control, we provide professional carpenter bee treatments designed to eliminate active infestations, protect vulnerable wood, and help prevent future damage.
Carpenter bees can damage decks, fascia boards, and other wooden structures. If you’re concerned the damage may be caused by another wood-destroying insect, learn more about our Termite Control services.
Signs You May Have an Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are often active during the spring and early summer. Common signs include:
Some common warning signs are:
- Perfectly round holes in wood (about ½ inch in diameter)
- Sawdust-like shavings beneath wooden surfaces
- Large bees hovering around decks, porches, or rooflines
- Yellow staining below entry holes
- Increased bee activity around untreated or weathered wood
The longer carpenter bees return to the same nesting sites, the more extensive the damage can become.
Where Carpenter Bees Nest
Carpenter ants are attracted to areas with moisture and softened wood. Common nesting locations include:
- Decks
- Wooden fences
- Porch railings
- Fascia boards
- Roof eaves
- Soffits
- Siding
- Outdoor furniture
- Pergolas and gazebos
Although they prefer untreated wood, they may also nest in painted or stained wood if conditions are favorable.
Carpenter bees are just one of several pests that can damage wood around a home. If you’ve noticed signs of damage but aren’t sure what’s causing it, make sure to have your dream home inspected before purchasing.
Are Carpenter Bees Dangerous?
Carpenter bees are generally not aggressive.
• Males often hover near nests but cannot sting
• Females can sting but usually only if handled or threatened
The greater concern is the damage they cause to wooden structures. Woodpeckers may also peck into the wood to feed on carpenter bee larvae, creating even larger holes and additional damage.
Tips to Help Prevent Carpenter Bees
You can reduce the risk of carpenter bees by:
- Painting or staining exposed wood
- Repairing damaged or weathered boards
- Sealing old nesting holes
- Replacing severely damaged wood
- Scheduling routine pest inspections
Although they prefer untreated wood, they may also nest in painted or stained wood if conditions are favorable.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
the difference a family-owned business can make.
Our Carpenter Bee Control Process
Thorough Inspection
We inspect your property to locate active nesting sites and identify areas vulnerable to future infestations.
Targeted Treatment
Our technicians treat active galleries using professional-grade products designed to eliminate carpenter bees while minimizing impact on your property.
Preventative Protection
We recommend sealing abandoned galleries and applying preventative treatments to reduce the likelihood of future nesting.
Long-Term Recommendations
We'll provide practical suggestions for protecting exposed wood, including painting, staining, sealing, and routine inspections.
Why Homeowners Choose Allied Termite & Pest Control
For years families throughout Central Virginia have trusted Allied to protect their homes and businesses from unwanted pests.
When you choose Allied, you’ll receive:
- Experienced, licensed pest control professionals
- Friendly, dependable service
- Customized treatment plans
- Safe and effective treatment methods
- Honest recommendations with no unnecessary services
- Local technicians who understand Virginia's pest challenges
SERVICE AREAS
Proudly serving Greater Richmond
From the West End to the East End and everywhere in between. If you’re in Central Virginia, we’ve got you covered.
- Richmond
- Henrico
- Chesterfield
- Hanover
- Glen Allen
- Midlothian
- Mechanicsville
- Short Pump
- Powhatan
- Goochland
- New Kent
- Ashland
- Surrounding Central Virginia Communities
Related Services
Termite Control
Protect your home from
wood-destroying termites.
Residential Pest Control
Year-round protection from
common household pests.
WDI/WDO Inspections
Professional inspections for home buyers, sellers, and homeowners.
Finding Perfectly Round Holes?
Schedule Your Carpenter Bee Inspection Today
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do carpenter bees eat wood?
No. Carpenter bees drill into wood to create nesting tunnels, but they do not eat the wood.
Will carpenter bees come back every year?
They can. Carpenter bees often return to the same nesting sites or nearby wood if previous galleries are left untreated.
Can I fill the holes myself?
It’s best to wait until active bees have been eliminated before sealing the holes. Sealing active nests may trap bees inside or encourage them to create new tunnels nearby.
Are carpenter bees protected?
While carpenter bees are important pollinators, they can become destructive when nesting in homes and wooden structures. Professional treatment focuses on protecting your property while addressing the infestation responsibly.
