Knowledgebase

Carpenter Bees #869194

Asked May 20, 2024, 8:40 AM EDT

How can we prevent carpenter bees from making holes in our porch railing ? We have tried different products over the years with very little success. Thanks

Cuyahoga County Ohio

Expert Response

Provide large wooden structures with untreated and unpainted wood. Drill large diameter holes into the wood to facilitate their nests. Then fill any holes in your porch that they have already made and treat the wood around your home (porch, railings, siding, etc.) to prevent any expansion/contraction of the wood that would allow the bees to nest in it. Native bee homes/habitats can also be purchased the same a bird houses. I have attached additional links below about native bee nesting habits and pollinator resources.

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-85

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-80#:~:text=Trees%2C%20shrubs%20and%20herbaceous%20plants,to%20a%20variety%20of%20bees

https://www.ohiopollinator.org/

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 24, 2024, 9:44 AM EDT

Loading ...