Wildlife, Rodent, & Pest Control Services

Have you discovered piles of sawdust on the ground around the exterior of your home in the Knoxville area? Have you noticed nickel-sized holes bored into the wood? Have you noticed large insects buzzing around your siding? There can only be one culprit: carpenter bees.

If you’re unfamiliar with this unusual bee species, carpenter bees are even larger than bumblebees, growing up to an inch long. They don’t eat wood but they do burrow into it to build their nests. While carpenter bees are solitary insects, unlike most bee species, their presence tends to attract others of their species. If too many carpenter bees decide to nest in the exterior of your home, it can result in widespread damage. If you want to avoid carpenter bee damage in your Knoxville home, keep reading to learn a few helpful prevention strategies.

Top 4 Tips to Prevent Carpenter Bee Infestations

1. Apply Fresh Paint – Carpenter bees prefer to nest in raw, untreated wood. For this reason, unpainted siding, decks and fences tend to be the primary targets for carpenter bee infestations in Knoxville. Applying fresh paint to these wooden structures will not only improve the curb appeal of your home but will also deter carpenter bees. Painted wood is much tougher for carpenter bees to burrow their way into and is therefore much less appealing to them. If you’re not keen on painting, adding a fresh coat of varnish to your home exterior wood is another way to prevent carpenter bees from nesting.
2. Seal All Holes – Like most pests, carpenter bees are opportunists. They would much rather return to an existing nest than drill a new one in your wall. If you’ve already had a carpenter bee infestation in your home in Knoxville, wait until fall when the bees have vacated their tubes and then seal off the holes to prevent them from returning. Even if you haven’t had a carpenter bee infestation yet, it’s a good idea to seal any holes or cracks you find in your woodwork, since carpenter bees are likely to use these as a foundation for their nests.
3. Spray Citrus Oil – The scent of citrus has proven effective as a carpenter bee repellent. To prevent carpenter bee infestations in your deck, siding or fence, create a solution of water and citrus oil, then spray it on any woodwork which may be vulnerable to carpenter bees. You’ll need to apply the citrus oil solution several times throughout spring to continue warding off carpenter bees. If you already have carpenter bees in your wood, try spraying the oil directly into their holes to drive them out. Almond oil can also be used as a carpenter bee deterrent.
4. Hang Wind Chimes – Carpenter bees are very sensitive to vibrations, especially when inside of their tunneled nests. If you find a carpenter bee infestation in your Knoxville home or want to prevent one from happening, you should hang wind chimes near your walls and deck. The vibrations produced by the wind chimes are agitating to the bees, and may compel them to seek shelter elsewhere. If you find the sound of wind chimes annoying, then try using outdoor speakers to drive off carpenter bees instead.

Do You Need Help With a Carpenter Bee Infestation in Knoxville?

If you’re tired of carpenter bees drilling holes in your walls, then it’s time to work with the pros to remove them from your property. Get in touch with Critter Wranglers today if you’d like to schedule carpenter bee prevention or removal services for your home in the Knoxville area!