Carpenter bees, how to get rid of them? Though their existence is beneficial to our environment carpenter bees can be a nuisance if there are too many. The name carpenter bee simply explains the behavior of these bees. Carpenter bees are attracted to softwoods such as cedar and pine. This is where they make their habitat and may cause the wood to wear. These species of bees in a large group especially around the home can be trouble. Gladly, here are 8 proven ways to get rid of carpenter bees without killing them. Let’s explore this article and find out how.
Everything About Carpenter Bee
To clarify, Carpenter bees don’t eat wood; instead, they simply bore into it to make their nest otherwise called “galleries” where they deposit eggs in the spring season and seek refuge in the colder season of winter. The galleries created by carpenter bees may appear little on the surface however, don’t be fooled by the tiny entrance, these holes are much larger and more harmful than they appear to be.
The nest of a carpenter bee opens into a tunnel that travels in a direct line for a few inches before abruptly turning 90 degrees and leading to their chambers. Females carpenter bees will return to already created tunnels every year and widen them as needed as this reduces the time it takes to construct a new tunnel. This is a wise choice as tunnel construction takes a long time. This accelerates the deterioration of the wood.
Any wood that is damaged by a carpenter bee can weaken over time simply by nesting. Not only that, but this can become a feeding ground for birds like woodpeckers who are searching for a meal of Carpenter bee eggs.
Are Carpenter Bees Harmful to Humans?
The answer is depending on gender. A male carpenter bee doesn’t sting however, the female will if feels threatened as she carries a stinger. To know the difference the males have a white spot on the head and don’t carry a sting on their back. The male carpenter bee however can be aggressive and will show this by dive bumping.
How to identify a carpenter bee?
The bright yellow color is a dominant color but they also boast other vibrant colors. One thing you can’t miss is the appearance of this tiny bee and its habitat which is wood.
Carpenter Bees Infestation… Signs to Look For
Here are signs to know if you have a carpenter bee infestation
- Frequent flying activity around the area
- Opening in wood measuring 1/2″-3/4″
- Noticeable yellow dust near the entrance and openings
- Wood shaving or sawdust near a hole in the wood
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees
There are several ways to get rid of carpenter bees without killing them. Why would we want to do that as these bees are good for pollination? To control these bees here are DIY treatments and repellents that can be used.
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Steel Wool: Stuff the hole or holes with steel wool to fill the entrance and to stop the carpenter bees from widening the hole
- Tea Tree Oil: Spray Tea Tree Oil around the surface of the hole
- Pest Control: Call a pest control company to remove the bees to a safe environment
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees with WD-40
Method: Simply spray WD-40 around the hole. The smell will drive the bees out and those who are out won’t want to enter. Note: Spraying WD-40 directly in the hole will exterminate the eggs and even the adult bees so be very careful when doing this.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees with Vinegar
Method: Pour full-strength distilled vinegar into a spray bottle. Secondly, mist the outer area of the hole. The vinegar has a strong odor that pests hate and will have them migrating if not immediately in a few hours.
How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bee Naturally
Carpenter bees are beneficial to the environment so you may want to use a more natural approach. These types of bees are not found in hives so repelling them won’t be that difficult. When it comes to getting rid of carpenter bees an eco-friendly pesticide can do that. Simply administer any of the below-listed natural methods.
1. Loud Noise: Beat them out! For some reason, vibrations and loud noises like music seem to deter carpenter bees. Simply take the party over to the nest and let the beat go. You may want to have a wood sealer on hand to close the hole as soon as they leave.
2. Traps: Traps are a safe way of repelling carpenter bees without harming them. Get hold of a trap and hang it directly over the nest. The bees will think this is a new home and enter. After they have entered close the trap and take it to an area where you’ll release the bees. Found this on Amazon...Mac’s Best Brothers Natural Wood Cabin Style Carpenter Bee Trap
How to Treat With Pesticides
1. There are several pesticides that can be used to terminate or control carpenter bees one of which is (Carpenters Bee Repellent). Keep in mind that the goal is not to kill the bees but to keep them away. To accomplish this the month is vital. Treatment works best when administer in the earliest part of Spring in order to stop the return of the carpenter bees. Continue treating the wood for the months leading up to summer to keep the bees away for good.
2. A harsher approach is to terminate the carpenter bee. If this is your only solution simply apply insecticidal dust to the hole… 1 lb Delta Dust Carpenter Bee Insecticide
4 Ways to Prevent Carpenter Bees Infestation
- Treat and plug the holes while the bees are away which would be early fall.
- Carpenter bees are not attracted to painted and varnish wood. Finishing the wood on decks, floors, sills, and fencing would be the best preventative measure.
- Ensure that entrances to your home are covered with mesh to prevent the bees from entering.
- If possible change the wood to hardwood as these are difficult for carpenter bees to bore holes in.
Conclusion:
We have covered all the ways to get rid of carpenter bees both naturally and with industrial chemicals. However, these should be your last choice. Preventing the bees in the first place is key. Paint or varnish anything made of pine or cedarwood. Taking these measures will save any future infestation of carpenter bees in and around your home.
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