How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are large ?bee-like" insects that resemble the bumble bee, as they have similar body structure and coloring. However, unlike their bee relatives, Carpenter bees are generally not aggressive. Only the female carpenter bee is capable of stinging, and will only do so when provoked. These creatures like sylvan environments, as they like to burrow tunnels inside wood to set up a nest. The following wikiHow explains how to get rid of Carpenter bees.
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Steps
- Pesticides are a possible solution to your problem. Powders are the most effective pesticide for active Carpenter bee nests. Products such as, Bendiocarb (Ficam D available, but no longer in production), Carbaryl (Sevin) dust and boric acid (Borid Turbo Aerosol) are effective. (See "Warnings".)
- Stuff their hole with steel-wool. They can't dig through the steel. Then, after they have left that nest, you can use some wood putty to patch the spot. (Match the putty to your wood or plan on painting.)
- Get an exterminator. Professional exterminators know what they are doing, and can rid you of the bees efficiently.
- Make a lot of noise. Carpenter bees do not like noise, so they will leave.
- A tried and tested remedy for bees is spraying petrol or diesel into their burrows. It will kill them, but petrol is flammable and can damage the structure you pour it over, so use it carefully.
- Aerosol carburetor cleaner has an extension tube for the can, and cans be had cheaply from a discount store. Some types will kill them instantly inside their burrow. Be VERY careful to not get this in your face or eyes, wear eye protection, read the precautions.
- In spring they fly around looking for burrows to lay eggs and deposit pollen as food for the larvae. (They use old burrows too, why it is a good idea to plug them.) They are very active for two to three weeks. A badminton or tennis racket is very effective to smack them with, especially easy with their habit of stopping and hovering for a moment. Make sure to give them a good brisk smack! Stepping on them, (with shoes of course), is an obvious extra option after you smack them.
Tips
- To avoid being stung when removing, try putting vinegar on your hands, as this repels them. Do not put vinegar anywhere but on your hands.
Warnings
- Make sure to wear protective clothing when handling these bees, as they can sting.
- Do not use pesticide products that are banned; they're banned because they're bad for your health, the health of children, or cause serious environmental problems.
Things You'll Need
- Spackel
- Pesticides
- Rackets to kill the bees
- steel wool
- plugs/ wood putty
Sources and Citations
- http://www.pestproducts.com/carpenterbees.htm
- http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/carpenter_bees.htm
- http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2074.html
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