What type of wood do carpenter bees avoid?

Carpenter bees are typically attracted to untreated, weathered wood that is soft and easy for them to excavate. They create nests by boring into the wood, which is why they tend to avoid certain types of wood. Well-painted wood is less appealing to carpenter bees because the paint creates a barrier that makes it difficult for them to penetrate the surface. The smooth, coated finish of painted wood does not provide the necessary substrate for nesting, making it an effective deterrent.

On the other hand, composite wood and reclaimed wood may still be susceptible to carpenter bee activity, depending on their composition and condition, as they may still offer enough soft material for them to burrow into. Hardwoods are also attractive to carpenter bees, especially if they are untreated, as they provide a suitable nesting habitat. Thus, well-painted wood stands out as the type of wood that carpenter bees tend to avoid due to the protective layer the paint provides.