Carpenter Bees Drilling Holes in Wood: What to Know

Perfectly round holes in wooden beams, doors or furniture may come from carpenter bees.

The short answer

Carpenter bees are large, dark bees that bore round holes to make nest tunnels. They don't eat wood but can weaken it over time. Males hover but don't sting; females rarely sting. Protect wood with paint or varnish, fill holes after bees leave and ask a professional for treatment.

Signs

• Round holes about the width of a finger.
• Sawdust-like debris below.
• Large bees hovering.

Protect

1. Paint or varnish wood.
2. Fill holes after bees leave.
3. Seek professional help for heavy cases.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Do they eat wood?

No, they excavate it.

Do they sting?

Rarely.

Are they beneficial?

They pollinate.

Is it termites?

Different signs; check.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on bee and wasp control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full bee and wasp control guide for Bangalore.