As temperatures begin to warm in late winter and early spring, carpenter bees become active and start searching for untreated or exposed wood surfaces to bore into.

Unlike termites, carpenter bees do not eat wood — they drill perfectly round holes (about the size of your fingertip) into:

Eaves

Deck rails

Fascia boards

Porch ceilings

Wooden siding

Outdoor furniture

Once inside, they tunnel along the grain of the wood to create chambers for laying eggs. Over time, repeated drilling can weaken structures, stain surfaces with droppings, and attract woodpeckers that cause even more damage trying to feed on larvae.

Timing Matters

Carpenter bees typically begin drilling in early spring when daytime temperatures consistently rise. Treating your structure before or at the first signs of activity is key.

Preventative treatment:

Reduces active drilling

Protects exposed wood

Helps deter re-infestation

Preserves the integrity and appearance of your property

Waiting until you see multiple holes often means they’ve already established galleries inside the wood. We can still help.

Professional Carpenter Bee Service by Hunt Pest Service

At Hunt Pest Service, we:

Inspect all vulnerable wood areas

Identify active and previous nesting sites

Apply targeted treatments

Provide preventative protection options

Our goal is to stop the drilling cycle before structural damage escalates.

Have you noticed perfectly round holes in your deck or porch this season? Don’t wait until the damage spreads.