Do Honey Bees Chew Wood

Honey bees live in external hives (or the special homes made by beekeepers) and carpenter bees take up residence in trees and wooden structures. They prefer unpainted, sheltered wood surfaces. … They don’t eat the wood but damage it by drilling extensive tunnels for sheltering their offspring.

Why do honey bees chew on wood?

The bees that survive the winter will emerge in the spring to feed on nectar, mate and build galleries. They may reuse an already existing gallery or they may excavate new galleries. Female carpenter bees chew circular holes through wood to make individual galleries to lay eggs and protect their larvae as they develop.

How do I get rid of bees eating wood?

Paint or varnish exposed wood surfaces around your home to make them less attractive to the bees. The most vulnerable areas are windowsills, railings, decks, fences, doors, eaves and wooden lawn furniture. Cover exterior openings to your home with fine mesh screens or caulk for small crevices to prevent bee incursions.