Carpenter bees may look like harmless bumblebees, but they can cause serious damage to wooden structures around your home like other wood destroying insects. Unlike honeybees, carpenter bees drill perfectly round holes into decks, siding, fascia boards, and fences—weakening the integrity of your property over time.

If you’re a Missouri homeowner wondering how to get rid of carpenter bees safely and effectively, you’re not alone. With the right approach, you can protect your home without harming pollinators.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees: What You’re Up Against

Carpenter bees bore into soft, unpainted wood to build their nests. While they rarely sting, their tunneling activity can lead to costly repairs and attract woodpeckers—creating a double problem.

Here’s what makes carpenter bees a unique threat:

They return year after year to the same nesting sites
Males aggressively patrol the nest area (though they don’t sting)
Females tunnel and lay eggs, weakening wood over time
Woodpeckers may target bee tunnels, causing further damage

Fastest Ways to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees in Missouri

If you’re dealing with an active infestation, timing is critical—spring and early summer are peak seasons for carpenter bee activity.

1. Use a Carpenter Bee Spray Inside the Holes

Apply a targeted insecticide directly into the entrance holes during evening hours when bees are less active. This kills any adults and larvae inside.

Local Tip: In Missouri, carpenter bees are most active from April through June—schedule your treatment early for the best results.

2. Plug the Holes with Wood Putty

After treating the tunnels, fill them with wood putty or dowels to prevent re-entry. Then, sand and paint or stain the area—carpenter bees avoid painted or treated wood.

3. Hang Carpenter Bee Traps

Bee traps mimic tunnel entrances and lure bees into a container they can’t escape from. Place traps near high-activity zones like eaves and wooden railings.

4. Apply Citrus or Almond Oil Repellents

Carpenter bees hate the smell of citrus and almond oil. Spray these natural repellents around vulnerable wood to deter nesting.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees Without Killing Them

Many homeowners prefer a humane approach, especially to protect beneficial pollinators. Here’s how to repel carpenter bees without causing harm:

Spray a DIY citrus oil solution (boil citrus rinds in water, strain, and apply with a spray bottle)
Install decoy nests—territorial bees avoid nesting near other colonies
Use ultrasonic repellents—sound-based deterrents can be effective near patios and decks

Best Carpenter Bee Repellents for Missouri Homes

When it comes to preventing carpenter bee damage, proactive deterrents work best:

Citrus or almond oil spray (natural, non-toxic, bee-friendly)
Painted or sealed wood (raw wood is far more attractive to bees)
Professional-grade insecticides (if used, should be applied with care)
Strategic wood replacement—swap soft pine or cedar for hardwood or composite materials in high-risk areas

DIY Carpenter Bee Removal vs. Professional Treatment

While DIY methods can help reduce bee activity, they may not address the full scope of the infestation. Carpenter bees often return to the same nesting sites and expand tunnels over time. That’s where professional pest control comes in.

Amco Ranger offers carpenter bee removal services that include:

Precise insecticide application to active nests
Structural inspections to locate hidden damage
Long-term deterrent treatments and maintenance plans

Why Missouri Homes Are Especially at Risk

Missouri’s climate and architecture provide ideal nesting conditions for carpenter bees. Homes with exposed wood siding, older decks, or untreated trim are especially vulnerable. Add in Missouri’s humid springs, and the environment is perfect for tunneling and nesting.

Protecting your home requires not just treatment—but prevention rooted in local experience.

Don’t let carpenter bees destroy your deck or siding. Contact Amco Ranger today for expert, eco-conscious carpenter bee control tailored to Missouri homes.