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How to Deter Wood Bees Naturally
And why are they eating my wood?
Wood bees, also known as carpenter bees, are large solitary bees belonging to the genus Xylocopa. They are often mistaken for bumblebees due to their similar appearance, but they have a shiny black abdomen instead of a fuzzy one.
Female wood bees are the ones responsible for creating holes in wood. They use their strong mandibles to chew and excavate tunnels in wooden structures such as decks, eaves, fascia boards, and other untreated or weathered wood. These holes serve as nesting sites where they lay their eggs and raise their young.
The entry holes created by wood bees are typically perfectly round and about half an inch in diameter. They can sometimes be found in clusters, as multiple females may choose to nest in the same vicinity. Inside the wood, they create a series of galleries branching off from the main tunnel, where they lay eggs and provision them with pollen as food for the developing larvae.
Wood bees can be controlled using natural and organic methods. Here are a few options:
1. Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as citronella, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil, can help deter wood bees. Mix a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the areas where the bees are active.
