How do you get rid of carpernter bees?
By momoftwo
@momoftwo (94)
United States
March 25, 2009 12:50pm CST
It's spring and the carpenter bees are out in full swing at my house. They keep boaring into the wood under the overhang. We have put caulk in the holes after they go in the wood and they still eat their way out with no harm to them. Tried putting other things in the holes but they just eat around them. Do any of you have carpenter bees around your home and if so, how do you handle them?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@chucknoitall (98)
• United States
25 Mar 09
Carpenter Bees are like Termites-They bring attention to problems like moisture buildup, because they don't eat dry wood. The best thing you can do is spray a pesticide into the areas they infest, then spray a geo-foam where they would attack again. The new spray foams are not as expansive as the old ones, so they don't do damage to surrounding structures putting pressure on them as the foam expands. The foam is a urethane base, and dries hard like plastic, so the insects won't be able to bore through it. It is non-biodegradable, so they can't digest it. It lasts almost forever. When first sprayed, it can be molded somewhat. It will help the problem after the original damage is ended.
@chucknoitall (98)
• United States
25 Mar 09
I forgot to add-they are not territorial like yellowjackets, or killer bees, so don't be afraid if they have a hive near your door. But-be sure not to destroy the hive without being ready to run, because they would be upset. Black Flag wasp repellant is a good pesticide to use, because it kills in the air and on contact. Stand back when you use it-it has a fairly long stream-4-6 feet, at least. Don't leave any of the bees around, because the pesticide is of course, poisonous, and your pets and little ones might get some in them.
When your husband goes to find the foam, if he explains what is happening, the staff at the hardware store can find the right type of foam for him. It might even be a good idea to use paper to mold the foam, because it IS STICKY. That's what it is meant to do, on contact with the surface it is sprayed on. Don't worry-this stuff, when dry, is stiff enough to stand on. If any oozes out, use a knife and trim it off. You'd be surprised how light, but strong this stuff is. And, NO DRAFTS!
1 person likes this
@PlantBuddy (183)
• Canada
25 Mar 09
You're in luck. There's a great new TV program on A&E called "The Exterminators". Every Weds. night at 10:30. They did bees (killer bees) about 2 weeks ago. Also wasps in someone's house. You'll learn a lot about getting rid of critters too. One of my fav. shows. Bill and his family live down in Louisiana...they are real folks and run this business. You'll get a laugh watching Bill tackle alligators and such on people's property. Just love this show!
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72018)
• United States
13 May 11
Well that doesnt give me much hope :( I had just read online that if you plug the holes they will die in there because they wont eat their way out. Now that I think of it though that doesnt really make very much sense if they bore through the wood they would probably bore their way out another way if they were blocked in at their entrance :(
