Bee News, Updates & Seasonal Tips — Cavity-nesting bees

Carpenter bees can be deterred without insecticides by making wood less attractive to them. Carpenter bees are large, native, beneficial pollinators that drill nickel-sized holes into weathered, unpainted softwood like cedar, pine, redwood, and cypress to lay their eggs. They do not eat wood and are not aggressive, but their tunnels can lead to water damage, decay, and rot if left unmanaged for several years. The most effective bee-safe prevention methods are: Paint, varnish, or pressure-treat exterior wood to reduce weathering. Use hardwoods instead of softwoods for exterior construction when possible. Fill existing cracks, pits, and gaps that Carpenter bees...