Knowledgebase

mr #880115

Asked August 04, 2024, 11:06 AM EDT

For the last several springs we have seen numerous carpenter bees at our house. They are boring into the wood trim behind the gutter on the rear of the house [where its a 3 story drop to the yard outside our basement]. While we would prefer not to kill them we would like to stop them from damaging the house. Is there anything you can suggest?

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Carpenter Bees don't eat wood, they just use it for reproduction.
Over years, this can weaken wood.
Here is our page on them: 
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/carpenter-bees/
Now (late summer) is the ideal time to have someone come and inspect and make repairs if needed.
We always suggest that wood be painted or stained, as unprotected wood is attractive to the females making the nests.


Christine

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