This project was built and designed by Clinton from Specific Love Creations.
Using common scrap wood and repurposed materials, Clinton demonstrates how to make a simple trap that helps reduce carpenter bee damage around your home or property.
With no complex tools required and a design that can be adapted to fit whatever you have on hand, this is a project nearly any woodworker can tackle in an afternoon.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Clinton’s channel:
Why Use a Carpenter Bee Trap?
Carpenter bees drill into exposed wood to build nesting galleries. While they don’t behave aggressively toward people, their boring habits can damage porch rails, beams, fascia boards, and siding.
Over time, repeated use of the same nesting area can leave wood riddled with holes and tunnels. Clinton’s trap offers a low-maintenance, chemical-free way to reduce the number of bees returning to your home each spring.
How the Trap Works
The trap mimics the type of nesting space that carpenter bees naturally seek. A block of wood with a central cavity and angled entrance holes draws bees in, while a plastic bottle or jar attached to the bottom captures them.
Once inside, the bees follow the light and scent toward the container, where they become trapped. This method interrupts the breeding cycle and lowers the number of bees nesting in nearby wood structures.
Overview of the Build
Clinton walks through a flexible, adaptable design that can be made with scrap materials. No precise dimensions are needed, making this project ideal for woodworkers who want to use up leftovers in their shop.
- Wood block: Use any solid scrap block large enough to hold a central drilled cavity.
- Drill holes: Create one long vertical cavity and connect 2–4 angled side entrances.
- Container: Attach a plastic bottle or jar to the bottom for trapping the bees.
- Hanger: Add a simple screw eye, staple, or hook so you can hang the trap near active areas.
Because this project is based more on concept than precision, minor variations in size or angle typically won’t reduce effectiveness.
Key Build Tips
For the main cavity, Clinton uses a long drill bit to create a vertical tunnel down through the block. The side holes are drilled at a slight upward angle so that they meet the main cavity, mimicking the way bees naturally tunnel into wood.
A Forstner or spade bit can be used depending on your available tools. The container attachment is as simple as cutting a hole to fit a bottle neck, then securing it with screws and glue.
Vent holes may be added to prevent moisture buildup and to allow air circulation. This helps prevent mold and keeps the trap effective over time.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
This trap can be made with scrap pieces from previous projects. Clinton emphasizes that anyone with a drill, a few bits, and a saw can build one without any specialty equipment.
- Wood: Scrap 4×4, 2×6, or other solid blocks
- Container: Recycled plastic bottles or glass jars with tight-fitting lids
- Hardware: Basic screws, a bit of glue, and a hook or staple for hanging
- Tools: Drill, saw, drill bits, optional Forstner bit
These traps are designed to hang on porches, under eaves, or near previous nesting sites—anywhere carpenter bee activity has been spotted.
Where and How to Hang It
The best placement for these traps is near areas where carpenter bees have already caused damage. Mounting them a few feet off the ground, close to beams or siding, gives bees a clear path into the entrance holes.
Avoid placing them in high-traffic areas or next to seating zones. While the bees don’t typically sting, having trapped insects buzzing inside the container may startle people.
It’s easy to test different positions around your property. If one spot isn’t catching bees after a week or two, simply move it to another location.
Customizing the Design
Clinton shows multiple versions of the trap using different block sizes and hole configurations. Larger blocks can support more entrance holes, while smaller ones are better suited for limited areas or tight mounting spaces.
A few variations you can try:
- Multi-hole blocks: Use a wider block and drill four or more angled entrances
- Decorative finishes: Paint or stain the outer faces if aesthetics matter—just leave the entrance holes natural
- Flush mounting: Use hooks or brackets to mount the trap flush to a wall or beam instead of hanging
Even a split or cracked piece of wood can be used—sometimes these imperfections create even more natural-looking entry points for bees.
Maintenance and Considerations
Traps should be checked regularly. If the container begins to fill with bees, simply unscrew it and dispose of the contents responsibly. Make sure to reseal the lid or bottle connection securely when reattaching.
Because carpenter bees are valuable pollinators, traps should be used strategically—aimed at preventing damage rather than eliminating all bees in the area. Using a few traps around high-risk structures can help balance protection and pollinator presence.
Why It’s Effective
Carpenter bees are drawn to small, dark holes in exposed wood. Clinton’s design takes advantage of this behavior by offering the kind of entrance and interior space they naturally seek.
Once inside, the bees have difficulty backing out or finding the side entrance again. The light at the bottom of the trap draws them further in, making it difficult to escape the container.
A Great DIY Fix for a Common Problem
This project is an excellent example of low-cost, practical woodworking. It doesn’t require precise plans or expensive materials, and it provides a long-term solution to a seasonal problem.
Clinton’s approach shows how creative thinking and simple tools can offer an effective response to everyday challenges. For those dealing with recurring bee damage, this is a smart weekend project that pays off for years to come.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Clinton’s channel: