Why Carpenter Bees Prefer Untreated Wood

by Cliff Davis

You ever notice how carpenter bees seem to ignore one board… and completely destroy the one right next to it?

That’s not random. It’s preference.

Carpenter bees are picky. And untreated wood? That’s basically their version of a luxury condo.

Understanding why they choose it is the first step to keeping them out of your deck, siding, and trim.

The Soft Spot: Why Untreated Wood Wins

Carpenter bees don’t eat wood—they drill into it to create nesting tunnels. So what are they looking for?

Softness. Accessibility. Safety.

Untreated wood checks every box.

Here’s what makes it so attractive:

  • No paint or sealant blocking entry
  • Softer grain, easier to drill through
  • No chemical treatments to deter them
  • Natural texture that “feels right” for nesting

Think of it like this—treated wood fights back. Untreated wood doesn’t.

Cedar, pine, redwood… all common choices for outdoor builds, and all favorites for carpenter bees.

A Quick Question Most Homeowners Ask

“If I stain or paint my wood, will they go away?”

Short answer: it helps. But it’s not a cure-all.

Painted or sealed wood is less attractive, but not completely immune—especially if the coating wears down or leaves exposed edges. Bees will still test spots. If they find a weak point, they’ll use it.

Which is why relying on surface treatment alone usually turns into a yearly battle.

Location, Location… Infestation

Wood type matters, but placement matters just as much.

Carpenter bees tend to go after:

  • Deck railings
  • Fence posts
  • Roof eaves and fascia boards
  • Wooden pergolas
  • Sheds and outdoor structures

Basically, anything exposed, quiet, and a little weathered.

Warm climates? Even more activity. States like Arizona, Texas, and Florida often see longer nesting seasons, which means more time for damage to stack up.

What Actually Happens When They Move In

First comes the drilling. A perfectly round hole, about the size of a dime.

Then the tunnel system. Inside the wood, they carve out galleries where eggs are laid.

Then… repeat customers.

Carpenter bees return to the same nesting sites year after year. And new bees often expand existing tunnels. That one small hole? It rarely stays small.

Ignoring untreated wood is basically leaving the door unlocked.

Where Bee Traps Come Into Play

Here’s the part most people miss—you don’t have to chase every bee away. You just need to interrupt the cycle.

That’s where carpenter bee traps do their job.

Instead of relying on sprays or constant maintenance, bee traps take advantage of how carpenter bees behave. They’re naturally drawn to openings that resemble nesting holes. Once inside, they follow light and end up in a collection chamber.

Simple idea. When it’s designed right, it works.

Bees N Things has built a reputation around carpenter bee traps that actually perform. Not gimmicks. Not guesswork. Just traps designed based on how these bees really operate.

If you’ve looked at bee traps for sale before and felt unsure, you’re not alone. A lot of them look similar—but design details make all the difference.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’re seeing activity already, it’s not too late. But timing helps.

Early spring is prime time to get ahead of nesting. Install carpenter bee traps before females start drilling new tunnels. Leave them up through the season.

Pair that with a few smart moves:

  • Seal or paint exposed wood where possible
  • Focus on high-risk areas like eaves and railings
  • Place traps near existing activity zones

You’re not trying to eliminate nature. Just redirect it away from your home.

What You Can Expect Over Time

This isn’t a one-day fix—but it’s noticeable.

Within the first couple weeks, most homeowners see less hovering. Then fewer new holes. Over a full season, the repeat nesting cycle starts to break down.

That’s the real win.

Bees N Things focuses on building the most successful bee traps available because results matter. People don’t want theory—they want fewer holes in their wood.

Untreated wood will always be appealing to carpenter bees. That part doesn’t change.

What you can change is how often they succeed.



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