What Exactly Are Wood Bees?
First things first — wood bees, or carpenter bees , are not your average honeybee.
They don’t live in hives.
They don’t produce honey.
They don’t sting (females can, but they’re not aggressive).
But what they do do?
They tunnel into untreated wood to lay eggs — and that can lead to damage over time.
And while they don’t eat wood like termites…
Their nesting habits can weaken structures — and make your deck look like Swiss cheese.
🧼 Why This Pine-Sol Hack Works So Well
Jill’s method is simple:
Cut a plastic milk jug diagonally
Pour in a small amount of Pine-Sol
Hang it from a fence, gazebo, or porch — anywhere bees are swarming
The bees are drawn to the sweet, piney scent — but once they land in the jug…
They can’t get out.
✅ Why it works:
Pine-Sol has a strong, sugary scent that mimics nectar
The smooth plastic surface traps bees inside
It’s non-toxic and safe for kids and pets
And best of all?
It’s inexpensive
It’s easy to make
It’s non-toxic to the environment
🐝 Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Own Wood Bee Trap
What You’ll Need:
Empty plastic milk jug
To hold the solution and trap the bees
Pine-Sol (original or citrus blend)
Attracts and traps the bees
String or wire
For hanging
Scissors or utility knife
For cutting the jug
Step 1: Cut the Jug
Cut the milk jug on a diagonal — like a slanted roof.
This creates a wide opening for bees to enter — but makes it hard for them to escape.
Step 2: Add Pine-Sol
Pour in about 1–2 inches of Pine-Sol .
Some people add a splash of water to dilute it slightly — but the original strength works best for attraction.
Step 3: Hang and Wait
Secure the jug with string or wire and hang it in a bee-prone area — like near the fence, deck, or gazebo.
✅ Pro Tip: Hang it away from high-traffic zones to avoid trapping other pollinators.
Step 4: Empty and Reuse
After a few days, you’ll notice bees trapped inside.
Empty the jug, rinse it out, and refill — then hang it back up.
Repeat as needed during nesting season.
🌿 Natural Ways to Discourage Wood Bees
If you want to avoid trapping bees altogether — or just want to discourage nesting without killing them…
Try these gentle, effective tricks:
Paint or stain exposed wood
Bees prefer untreated wood
Fill old holes with wood putty
Prevents reuse by future generations
Place fake wasp nests nearby
Bees avoid areas with competition
Use citrus oil or almond oil
Bees hate the scent
Plant lavender or mint nearby
Repels bees and adds beauty
And if you don’t have allergies?
Consider letting them be — they’re important pollinators.
Just monitor the wood damage and fill old holes after they leave.
⚠️ When to Be Cautious Around Wood Bees
If you or someone in your family has a severe allergy to stings …
This is not just about aesthetics — it’s about safety .
Carpenter bees may not be aggressive, but if disturbed — especially near their nesting holes — the female bee can sting .
So if your deck or playset is buzzing with bees all summer…
And your child is running barefoot through the grass…
It’s worth taking action.
This Pine-Sol hack is a smart, safe way to reduce bee activity — without resorting to harsh sprays or pesticides.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Way to Control Bees Is With a Little Scented Science
We don’t want to kill bees.
They’re vital to our ecosystem.
But if you have a severe allergy , or a wooden structure that’s becoming a bee condo …
You need a way to gently redirect them.
And Jill’s Pine-Sol hack does just that.
It’s cheap.
It’s easy.
It’s safe for your yard.
So next time you see wood bees drilling into your fence or hovering near your porch…
Don’t reach for the spray.
Grab a milk jug and some Pine-Sol.
Because sometimes, the best way to solve a problem…
Isn’t with chemicals.
It’s with a clever trick — and a little bit of science.
And once you start seeing fewer bees around your favorite outdoor hangout?
You’ll be glad you did.