Bee Dam Maintenance: What to Know After the Season Ends

Protecting Your Home Year After Year with Simple End-of-Season Care

If you’ve used Bee Dams this year to block carpenter bee nests or protect previously drilled holes, you're ahead of the game. But like any part of your pest control system, post-season maintenance matters. When fall and winter roll in, it’s time to make sure your Bee Dams—and your carpenter bee traps—are still doing their job.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do with your Bee Dams once the season ends, and how to keep your setup effective year after year.

What Are Bee Dams, Exactly?

Bee Dams are physical barriers or inserts that fill and seal carpenter bee holes. They work by:

• Blocking re-entry into old tunnels

• Deterring future nesting in the same area

• Supporting long-term trap use by reducing bee reinfestation

When paired with our proven carpenter bee traps and kits, Bee Dams help break the carpenter bee nesting cycle completely.

Why Maintenance Matters After Carpenter Bee Season

Carpenter bees are most active in spring and early summer, but once temperatures drop, they retreat. What many homeowners don’t realize is that bees overwinter inside old tunnels—sometimes behind your Bee Dams.

Without proper post-season care, you risk:

• Bees emerging from behind an improperly sealed dam

• Traps becoming less effective due to buildup or weathering

• Damage going unnoticed until next year

Good maintenance ensures your bee traps and Bee Dams continue doing their job.

Step-by-Step Bee Dam Maintenance Checklist

Here's what to do once the weather cools down and bee activity slows:

1. Inspect All Bee Dam Locations

Walk the perimeter of your home and check the areas where Bee Dams were installed.

Look for:

• Cracked or loose Bee Dams

• Signs of chewing, pecking (from woodpeckers), or sawdust

• Tunnels around or behind the dam

🛠 If a Bee Dam looks compromised, remove it and inspect the tunnel before resealing.

2. Clean Out Your Carpenter Bee Traps

If you’re also using our carpenter bee traps, clean them out during this process:

• Empty out any trapped bees

• Rinse with water and allow to dry fully

• Check that the entry holes are not clogged

This helps your traps remain effective for next season and prevents mold, rot, or odor buildup.

3. Reinforce and Re-Seal Where Needed

Some Bee Dams may require reinforcement with glue or sealant, especially if installed early in the season.

• Use exterior-grade wood filler or caulk to secure loose plugs

• Consider painting or staining exposed wood for added protection

• Replace any missing or deteriorated Bee Dams

Tip: This is also a good time to seal new holes if bees drilled in areas you didn’t catch last spring.

4. Store Extra Traps and Dams Properly

If you’re not leaving your traps up year-round, store them in a dry, protected space.
Avoid high humidity or areas with pests that could chew the wood or plastic.

We recommend:

• Keeping unused Bee Dams in labeled bags

• Storing extra traps flat in a shed, garage, or closet

• Cleaning and drying all components before storing

What to Expect When You Maintain Your Bee Dams

Proper Bee Dam maintenance sets you up for:

• Reduced bee activity next spring

• Preserved wood integrity around your home

• Fewer repairs or replacements needed down the road

• More effective carpenter bee traps

Our customers often report a 90%+ drop in bee activity after following this maintenance strategy for just one season.

Common Questions About Off-Season Bee Dam Use

Can I leave Bee Dams installed all winter?
Yes, and you should. They block overwintering bees from exiting and prevent tunnel reuse.

What if I find a Bee Dam with bees still behind it?
You may hear buzzing or see fresh sawdust. In that case, remove the plug cautiously and either replace it or trap the bees using our carpenter bee traps nearby.

Should I remove traps during the winter?
You can leave them up if they’re in a dry location, but cleaning and storing them can help prolong their lifespan.

The Best Time to Prepare for Next Year

Once your Bee Dams are checked, your traps are cleaned, and your tunnels are sealed, you’re already ahead for next season.

Come early spring:

• Reinspect your wood surfaces

• Reinstall cleaned bee traps (or upgrade if needed)

• Watch for new activity and take action early

The earlier you prep, the less damage you'll deal with later.

Why Customers Trust Our Bee Dams and Traps

Thousands of homeowners across the U.S. trust Bee’s N Things for one reason: our products work.

Whether it’s our:

• Bee Dams that seal off existing tunnels

• Bee traps that mimic nesting behavior

• Starter kits for full-home protection

You’re getting proven tools, designed by people who actually understand how carpenter bees think and operate.

And unlike cheap knockoffs or chemical sprays, everything we sell is:

• Safe for families, pets, and pollinators

• Long-lasting, with real construction-grade materials

• Supported by actual human help and how-to resources

If you're not sure what you need next, our team is here to help you choose the right traps, kits, or replacement Bee Dams.

Your Bee Dams worked hard all spring and summer. With just a little attention now, they’ll be ready to go again next year.

Browse our carpenter bee traps for sale, stock up on Bee Dam replacements, or grab a full kit to protect your entire property.

And if you're not sure what to order next? Just reach out. We’re happy to help you find the right solution for your home.