Multiple Dead Carpenter Bees - Ask Extension
There are suddenly seven dead carpenter bees on and below our wood deck. Six are males, one female. We have not sprayed any chemicals, nor our neighbo...
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Multiple Dead Carpenter Bees #928410
Asked April 14, 2026, 5:47 PM EDT
There are suddenly seven dead carpenter bees on and below our wood deck. Six are males, one female. We have not sprayed any chemicals, nor our neighbors, that we’ve seen. It’s concerning that there are so many all at once. I read that it’s common in the spring for males to die after mating, but so many in a close area? Should we be concerned about the cause and also damage to our deck?
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Afternoon,
Do you see any holes? Carpenter bee entrance holes are smooth, round, and typically 10–15 mm in diameter, and galleries most commonly run roughly perpendicular to the grain; tunnels often extend 6–12 inches in a first season and can lengthen if reused. Begin by inspecting at dawn or dusk and monitor suspected entrances for two to three days to confirm activity before sealing; this prevents trapping active adults and forcing them to bore new exits. The presence of dead carpenter bees with no signs of damage typically is not a cause for concern. If you do see damage, take action. See attached for actions to take.
Carpenter Bees Are Back: How to Protect Your Deck, Fascia, and Outdoor Wood - Updated for March 7, 2026 - Pests.org
Carpenter Bees - Plant & Pest Diagnostics
If you have further questions or see damage, please let me know.
I hope this helps. Thank you for using our service.
Do you see any holes? Carpenter bee entrance holes are smooth, round, and typically 10–15 mm in diameter, and galleries most commonly run roughly perpendicular to the grain; tunnels often extend 6–12 inches in a first season and can lengthen if reused. Begin by inspecting at dawn or dusk and monitor suspected entrances for two to three days to confirm activity before sealing; this prevents trapping active adults and forcing them to bore new exits. The presence of dead carpenter bees with no signs of damage typically is not a cause for concern. If you do see damage, take action. See attached for actions to take.
Carpenter Bees Are Back: How to Protect Your Deck, Fascia, and Outdoor Wood - Updated for March 7, 2026 - Pests.org
Carpenter Bees - Plant & Pest Diagnostics
If you have further questions or see damage, please let me know.
I hope this helps. Thank you for using our service.
