Carpenter bees buzzing around your yard aren’t just a nuisance. They can also damage your fencing. Learn more about these bees and how to prevent them from drilling holes into your fence. 

What Are Carpenter Bees?

Carpenter bees are large bees that look like bumblebees because of their fuzzy black and yellow exterior. However, bumblebees are fuzzy all over, while carpenter bees have a fuzz-free, shiny belly. Carpenter bees are pollinators, and they usually come out in the late summer to pollinate, staying active until temperatures start to cool.

Do Carpenter Bees Cause Damage?

As their name implies, carpenter bees are attracted to wood and can drill small holes into it using their tiny, but sharp teeth. They do so to build their nest, which they will do every spring. Once the hole is large enough, they will enter it and lay their eggs in the nest.

These half-inch holes that carpenter bees are capable of drilling can result in damage to your wood fence. While the holes typically are not large enough to diminish the structural integrity of the fence, they are unsightly and can impact the aesthetic appeal of your fencing. The holes may attract water, which can lead to water damage. Plus, the bees’ feces can stain your fence.

How Can I Deter Carpenter Bees?

Fortunately, several strategies can help keep carpenter bees away from your fencing, including the following:

• Paint or stain your fence. Carpenter bees are attracted to raw wood, so a painted or stained fence will be less appealing.
• Fill holes. Use a caulk or wood filler to fill any existing holes so that the bees won’t return to them.
• Replace damaged planks. If the damage is extensive, consider replacing the plank and then painting or staining it. A fence plank filled with holes may attract carpenter bees next season.
• Use an insecticide. If all else fails, you can spray an insecticide into live holes to exterminate the carpenter bees.

If carpenter bees are damaging your fence, call R.H. Meyer Fence Co., serving the Cincinnati, OH, area. This family-owned and -operated company has 50 years of experience designing, installing, and repairing fences. Customers can select from a variety of styles, including wood, vinyl, split rail, Kentucky board, and ornamental. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 385-1188, or learn more about available services on the website.