Bees buzzing around a deck can quickly turn a relaxing outdoor space into a source of anxiety. It is important to remember that most bees are pollinators whose populations are declining. The goal of any management strategy should be to safely encourage them to nest and forage elsewhere using non-lethal methods. Understanding the specific bee species causing the issue is the first step toward effective and humane deterrence.
Identifying the Intruder and Its Intent
The large, fuzzy bee frequently seen around wooden structures is often misidentified, and correct identification is necessary for choosing the right solution. You are most likely dealing with either a bumble bee or a carpenter bee, and their nesting habits are fundamentally different.
Bumble bees are social insects with a round, densely hairy body, including the abdomen, which typically features yellow and black banding. They do not bore into wood but instead prefer to nest in existing cavities. These cavities include abandoned rodent burrows, dense grass clumps, or the protected space underneath a deck.
Carpenter bees are solitary and pose a greater threat to the deck structure itself. They are similar in size but have a noticeably smooth, shiny, black, and hairless abdomen, contrasting sharply with their fuzzy yellow thorax. The female carpenter bee excavates tunnels in unfinished or weathered wood to lay her eggs. Observing the bee’s behavior—foraging on flowers versus drilling into wood—will confirm which species requires attention.
Immediate Deterrent Strategies
To make your deck area less appealing in the short term, deploy sensory deterrents that do not harm the bees. Bees rely heavily on their sense of smell for navigation and communication, and strong, non-floral scents can disrupt their activity. Essential oils with pungent aromas can be mixed with water and applied as a spray to areas of frequent bee activity.
Scent Deterrents
Peppermint oil and clove oil are particularly effective, as their intense fragrances are highly unpleasant to bees. A solution of about 10 to 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of water can be sprayed directly onto deck surfaces, especially in the corners and joints where bees congregate. This application should be repeated every few days or after rain to maintain the repelling scent barrier. Alternatively, soak cotton balls with these oils and place them strategically in discreet locations, such as under furniture or near the edges of the deck.
Visual Deterrents
Some homeowners also find visual deterrents useful for deterring new nesting attempts from social bees or wasps. Hanging a fake nest, such as a brown paper bag inflated and secured under an eave, can trick insects into believing a rival colony is already established. While this method may not cause an existing colony to leave, it can prevent a new queen from selecting the location for her annual nest.
Long-Term Structural Exclusion
The most effective long-term strategy for preventing bee issues, especially with wood-boring carpenter bees, involves physical exclusion and surface treatment of the wood. Carpenter bees prefer to bore into unfinished or weathered wood, so removing this preferred material is a primary defense.
Wood Surface Treatment
Applying a quality exterior paint, a stain with a sealant, or a clear polyurethane coating to all exposed wood surfaces creates a hard barrier. This barrier discourages the female bee from drilling.
All existing holes, cracks, and crevices in the wood must be sealed, as these serve as attractive starter points for a carpenter bee tunnel. Use exterior-grade wood putty or caulk to fill in any openings, applying the filler flush with the wood surface. If dealing with a current infestation, sealing should be done in the late summer or fall after the adult bees have emerged and the tunnels are empty.
Underside Exclusion
Preventing access to the dark, protected space beneath the deck can discourage nesting. While carpenter bees target the wood, bumble bees may establish a colony in the soil or debris under the deck. Installing lattice, hardware cloth, or a solid barrier around the deck’s perimeter will block the physical entrance to the underside cavity. Ensure the barrier extends to the ground and is secured to eliminate small openings a queen might use to gain access.
Responsible Management of Existing Nests
If an active nest is discovered, the response should prioritize the safety of the occupants and the homeowner. For bumble bees, whose colonies are temporary and typically die off by late autumn, the safest approach is often to leave the nest undisturbed if it is not in a high-traffic area. If the nest’s location presents a direct hazard, non-lethal relocation is the preferred course of action.
Attempting to move a bumble bee nest should only be done after dark, as the bees are docile and less active during this time. The entire nest, if in a movable container or an accessible ground cavity, can be scooped into a new box and relocated to a safe, quiet area at least a few miles away to prevent the workers from returning. Contacting a local beekeeping association or a pest control company that specializes in bee relocation is the safest option for a hands-off approach. For carpenter bee tunnels, the openings should only be plugged after the adults have left for the season, which prevents new bees from utilizing the existing galleries the following spring.