Spring has finally arrived! The flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and the sun is out. But the buzz of bees isn’t always a good sound, especially when you start to see nickel-sized holes in your house or patio furniture.
These holes are likely caused by carpenter bees, appropriately named for their habit of drilling holes in wood. Mason and leafcutter bees lay their eggs in holes that are already there and don’t damage the buildings they live in. Carpenter bees, on the other hand, are wood-boring insects that can do some damage. Its important to note that carpenter bees do not eat wood like termites or carpenter ants. But when they drill holes for their nests, problems like water retention, decay, and rot can happen if nothing is done for a few years.
Carpenter bees have decided to live in your home. It may be tempting to use insecticides to get rid of them, but we strongly advise you to try less harmful methods first. Why? First, carpenter bees are incredibly effective buzz pollinators. Second, insecticide use for carpenter bees can also harm other local pollinators—like Mason and Leafcutter bees (among others)!.
Learn how pesticides can move from yard to yard in our The Importance of a Pesticide-Free Yard article.
A lot of our beekeepers have asked us what they can do to keep carpenter bees out of their homes, decks, and lawn furniture without hurting other pollinators that live there. Which we thought was a great (and timely) question to answer in this months bee blog post!.
Before we talk about how to safely keep carpenter bees from building nests where you don’t want them to, we want to make sure you know how to tell them apart from other buzzing insects in your garden and yard.
Carpenter bees are a common nuisance for homeowners in the spring and summer months. These large, buzzing bees drill holes into wood to make their nests, potentially causing structural damage over time. Getting rid of carpenter bees can be a challenge, but using almond oil is an effective and eco-friendly method to discourage them from nesting on your property.
What are Carpenter Bees?
Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees in size and appearance. They have a shiny black abdomen and thorax with some yellow or white markings. There are two types of carpenter bees – a smaller male bee that has a yellow face and a larger female that has a black face.
These bees get their name from their behavior of drilling holes into wood to lay their eggs. They prefer untreated softwoods like pine cedar, cypress and redwood. The holes are perfectly round and about the size of a dime. Carpenter bees will often reuse old nesting holes if they can. The males are territorial and hover near the nests though they do not actually drill or live in the holes.
While carpenter bees normally do not eat wood, over time their nesting behavior can cause cosmetic and structural damage They do not eat wood like termites, but the drilling damages the wood by leaving behind sawdust and weakening the structure
Why Use Almond Oil on Carpenter Bee Holes?
Using a natural oil like almond oil is an effective way to deter bees from nesting in existing holes or drilling new ones. Here’s why it works:
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It creates a slick surface – The oil seals the holes and coats the wood, preventing the bees from getting a grip to resume drilling. The slickness also deters them from reusing old holes.
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It suffocates bees – Any bees already in existing nest holes will suffocate when the oil is applied directly. This humanely kills them.
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It masks wood scents – Carpenter bees locate desirable nesting spots in wood by detecting inviting scents. The almond oil masks these scents so the wood is less detectable.
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It’s non-toxic – Almond oil is all-natural and will not harm bees or other beneficial pollinators in your yard. It’s a much safer option compared to harsh bee pesticides.
How to Use Almond Oil Effectively
Using almond oil for carpenter bees takes some consistency, but it can be very effective when applied properly. Follow these steps:
Inspect for Existing Holes
Closely examine any wooden structures, decks, eaves, trim, fascia, picnic tables, etc. where you’ve noticed carpenter bee activity. Look for round holes about 1/2 inch wide. Take note of each spot where drilling has occurred.
Mix a 50/50 Solution
Combine equal parts almond oil and water in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously to emulsify the solution. The water helps the oil spread evenly and makes it easier to spray.
Spray Susceptible Surfaces
Liberally spray the almond oil solution on any wood surfaces prone to carpenter bee nesting. Coat the existing holes thoroughly as well as surrounding wood. The oil prevents the bees from gaining a foothold on the greasy surface.
Apply Early and Often
Begin applying the almond oil mixture in early spring before bee activity picks up. Reapply every two to three weeks to maintain the slippery barrier on the wood’s surface. Continue treating throughout summer and early fall when carpenter bees are most active. Consistency is key.
Plug Existing Holes
For existing nest holes, spray the oil directly into each hole. Place a small piece of steel wool or dowel in the hole and then spray again to coat the plug. This will smother any bees inside and prevent the hole from being reopened.
Use On New Holes Promptly
Check frequently for any new holes. Coat new holes right away to prevent nest completion. Bees often take a break mid-drilling, so remain vigilant.
Consider Preventive Measures
Paint, varnish or seal any bare wood surfaces to make them less appealing for nesting. Install wood treatments containing insecticides or repellents. Attach wind chimes, fake wasp nests or reflective surfaces like aluminum foil near nesting sites to deter bees.
Tips for Safely Using Almond Oil on Bee Holes
When using almond oil around nesting carpenter bees, follow these safety precautions:
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Wear protective clothing like gloves, long sleeves, pants, goggles and a mask or respirator for applying oil directly into holes. Remain cautious of territorial male bees hovering nearby.
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Store almond oil out of reach of children and pets. Avoid applying onto plant surfaces.
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Check for any woodpecker damage which looks similar to bee holes but requires different repair.
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Consult a pest control professional if infestation is severe before nests are fully established by mid-spring.
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Monitor health of trees where nests have been abandoned, as damage may make them vulnerable to disease.
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Dispose of any dead bee carcasses promptly to prevent spread of diseases to other bee populations.
The Benefits of Using Almond Oil
Relying on almond oil to evict carpenter bees has many advantages:
- Provides a inexpensive, mess-free DIY solution without special equipment
- Makes use of a common household item already on-hand
- Offers a non-toxic approach compared to harsh synthetic pesticides
- Reduces risk of harming beneficial pollinators and other wildlife
- Prevents damage to structures without chemicals or extensive repairs
- Allows control with minimal effort on a recurring basis
- Suitable for environmentally-conscious homeowners who want an organic remedy
With some diligence using almond oil frequently during nesting season, you can safely and humanely deter carpenter bees from damaging your wood structures. Just remember – reapply early and often!
Identifying Carpenter Bees and Signs of an Infestation
Carpenter bees are the largest native bee species in the United States. They are usually all black or black and yellow, and you can see them hovering around the eaves of a house or the underside of a deck in the spring. The ones around my house regularly hit our windows every morning to let us know they are there.
People often mix up carpenter bees and bumble bees. To tell them apart, just look at their abdomens. Carpenter bees have shiny black abdomens, while bumble bees have hairy abdomens. Don’t be scared of them just because they’re big or seem mean! Males, who have white stripes on their faces, don’t have stingers, and females can sting, but they probably won’t unless you handle them or stick your fingers in their nests, which we don’t recommend.
Keep in mind that carpenter bees flying around your yard and house doesn’t always mean they’re drilling holes in your house. A few things to look (and listen) for:
- Deep, nickel-sized holes perfectly drilled into wood;
- Wood shavings or sawdust in and around the hole;
- Carpenter bee poop may show up on the wood below the hole as a yellowish-brown stain.
- If you pay close attention, you might hear the sound of wood being chewed.
- Often, the males will wait outside the nesting hole while the female works inside.
The BEST way to get rid of carpenter bees. They were destroying my deck!
FAQ
Is almond oil good for carpenter bees?
What kind of oil keeps carpenter bees away?
What is the best natural repellent for carpenter bees?
Does almond oil repel carpenter bees?
Almond oil is said to repel bees. To make an almond-scented spray, use the same method as for the citrus spray but replace citrus essential oil with almond oil or extract. Almond scent is lighter when compared to citrus, so you may need to add 5–10 additional almond oil drops initially.
Do carpenter bees eat almond oil?
Spray it around wooded areas or straight into any carpenter bee holes a few times a week across several weeks, especially in the spring. You can also try almond oil drops into water too as carpenter bees also hate this. Both almond and citrus oil sprays are part of our 7 natural hacks to make your home smell good without chemicals too.
Can you use almond oil to kill carpenter bees?
Citrus oil and almond oil. You can use either one. For the citrus oil method, start by pouring citrus oil into a spray bottle. You can combine it with water, but don’t overdilute it since you want the citrus oil to have a strong odor. Next, spray the citrus oil generously around the holes where the carpenter bees are nesting.
How to get rid of carpenter bees?
This technique is a two-fold approach to getting rid of carpenter bees. Don’t skip on either step if you want to stop the carpenter bees for good. Two things naturally repel carpenter bees: Citrus oil and almond oil. You can use either one. For the citrus oil method, start by pouring citrus oil into a spray bottle.
Does olive oil repel carpenter bees?
Don’t assume that any sort of oil will keep carpenter bees at bay. Stick to almond oil or citrus oil only. For example, using vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil from your kitchen will provide no benefit. Unlike citrus or almond oils, these oils don’t repel carpenter bees. I have a quick story.
Does carpenter bee avoid citrus-scented wood?
Carpenter bees avoid wood scented with citrus and are repelled by it. Use almond oil instead, as it has similar repelling effects to citrus spray. Carpenter bees hate the scent of almond oil, and applying it to wood will keep them from nesting on sprayed wood.