Beware of Carpenter Bees and Their Predators

Carpenter Bee & Woodpecker Damage

I just recently finished organizing repairs for a client who had carpenter bee and woodpecker issues. The client had porch railings where carpenter bees bored holes and laid eggs which attracted the woodpeckers who made the holes larger exposing the bee tunnels.  We have heard that the bees do not like stained or painted wood.  Through my contractors, exposed wood was replaced where needed and  all exposed wood was painted in several locations around the house.  I, also experienced the presence of carpenter bees as well.  Holes were found on porch railings indicated by seeing sawdust mounds underneath the holes. We elected to stain the exposed wood and hopefully this will detract the bees in the spring.  There are traps that can be purchased or made as well.  All this information can be found on the internet.