How to get rid of carpenter bees effectively without damaging wood?

[Charlesdavid]

I’ve noticed carpenter bees around my wooden areas and want to deal with them without causing damage to the wood. I’m looking for safe and effective methods—preferably ones that prevent them from coming back as well. What solutions have worked best for you?

 

[millie]

Try spraying a mix of citrus oil or almond oil near the holes since bees really hate those scents, and once they leave seal the holes up with wood putty so they don't come back to the same spot next season.

 

[evelynn]

Spray some almond oil or citrus-based spray into the holes since bees hate those scents, then plug the holes with steel wool and caulk after they leave, painting or staining bare wood also helps a lot since carpenter bees mostly go after unfinished wood.

 

[Steve_Rogers]

I had carpenter bees around a wooden shed once, and what worked best without damaging the wood was using a citrus or almond oil spray around the holes, then filling old holes with wood putty after the bees leave. Hanging bee traps nearby and painting or sealing exposed wood also helped stop them from coming back without harming the structure.