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How to get rid of carpenter bees

Safe, immediate steps you can take now, followed by an honest read of when to bring in a licensed, eco-friendly local provider.

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Step-by-step to get rid of carpenter bees

  1. Identify active holes in bare wood
  2. Have a pro treat tunnels with targeted dust
  3. Fill and seal holes after treatment
  4. Paint or seal exposed softwood surfaces
  5. Inspect and re-seal each spring

Safe DIY methods

  • Fill existing holes with wood filler and seal
  • Paint or varnish exposed wood
  • Don't plug holes while adults are inside

When to call a licensed provider instead

  • You keep seeing them after repeated DIY attempts.
  • The pest is structural, protected, or a health risk (termites, carpenter ants, wasps, rodents near food).
  • You aren't certain what you're dealing with.

For structural, protected, or health-risk pests, never DIY with wild chemical mixes. See how local exterminators handle carpenter bees →

Common questions

How do I get rid of carpenter bees in the deck?

In spring, have a licensed provider treat active tunnels with targeted dust, then fill and paint the holes. Painting bare wood prevents new borings.

Should I plug the holes myself?

Only after the bees are treated — plugging while adults are inside can push them into the wood. A pro treats, then fills.

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