Managing Carpenter Bees: Purple Martins and Trapping Options

Carpenter bees drilling into your barn? Purple martins eat bees—but they're not a reliable control method. Here's what works better.

Purple Martin Reality Check

• Eat flying insects only, caught on the wing.
• Diet includes beetles, flies, dragonflies, bees, wasps, etc.
• Do NOT consume large quantities of mosquitoes.
• May eat some carpenter bees but won't eliminate infestations.

Effective Carpenter Bee Control

Carpenter bee traps are your best bet. These simple wooden boxes with pre-drilled holes and collection jars exploit the bees' nesting behavior. Plans available at the provided link.

Additional Strategies

• Paint or stain all exposed wood surfaces (bees prefer bare wood).
• Fill existing holes with steel wool and caulk in fall after bees emerge.
• Apply residual insecticide dust (e.g., carbaryl) into active galleries in spring.
• Provide alternative nesting sites (untreated lumber blocks) away from structures.

Martins Still Worthwhile

Install martin houses for their insect control and enjoyment—but pair with targeted carpenter bee management for real results.