Carpenter Bees

[spencer200]

I have always found brake cleaner to be extremely effective in the killing of bees it is instant. Makes you wonder what it is doing to us. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[coachgrd]

Speaking of bees, anyone have problems with hornets? The seem to find every nook and crevice of my home. Last year I sprayed some stuff but it required me to go onto the peak of the 2nd floor, something I'm not fond of. Anyone have any luck with these scented traps?

 

[PBMAX]

coachgrd, We have a problem with Red Wasp. They get into the attic and under the decks and behind the shutters. So last yr a bought some Diazonine(spelling) and a hose sprayer that would do the mixing for me. I sprayed all the overhangs and shuch while the wife and boy were at the lake . They would still buzz around looking for a nest site but would take one good look and fly off.

While I could not keep them from comming around I at least was able to limit their NESTING choices.... I origanallly bought it FLEA controll for the lawn but it worked well for other VARMITS /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif...

Course they don't make it now so I'll have to find something new.... If you try the sent traps let me know what you think I have been considering them as well...

 

[maxtractor]

I had a problem with these monsters in a log home rental I used to manage. They were all over it. I talked to an exterminator about the bees. He said he could spray and keep them away for a while but that they would come back. He recommended that I paint the wood with a paint or stain that was highly alkaline. He said that would be a more permanent solution. I can't remember what we used but it worked. The bees left it alone after we painted it.

 

[F_22]

If they're not close enough to swat or spray then I like to zap 'em with CCI .22 shotshells. Effective range is about 15 to 20 feet. It's great fun and a real challenge! We call it bee plinking. Leads up your barrel pretty quick though.

I hate these things, kill 'em all!!!

 

[jdeerestl]

Just spotted another hole last night, of course its at the very top of the peak and the pucker factor will be high getting this one. These things probably will be the death of me someday. There has to be something I can put in the stain that they don't like, short of cyanide.

 

[heehaw]

around here, the Pittsburg paints store sells some insectide that mixes in a gallon of paint, stain or whatever..we painted our house 3 years ago, maybe 4, and the dirt dobbers still start but never finish they're mess, and the spider webs are greatly reduced. the stuff mixes with latex or enamel, so i don't know why you couldn't mix it with a gal of water and spray it on the wood...??? or spray the wood good with any insecticide??? might work??
heehaw

 

[ljh2]

I've heard/read that Borax/Boric Acid works. It is specifically recommended for termites, carpenter ants, and borer beetles. It isn't exactly safe for humans or pets though.

Painting or varnishing the surface is the best preventative measure that I've heard of, they don't like to bore through paint or varnish.

I still think you are stuck with toxic stuff to kill established ones though, unless you only have a few then maybe you can squish them with a piece of wire in the hole. Then fill the holes with a barrier like caulk and paint.

 

[cef2lion]

When I moved into my house a few years back my garage was surrounded by these Carpenter bees. The last owner appears to have not cared about them. Lots of damage. The males have no stinger and are the ones you see the most. The female has a stinger and stays around the hole a lot. I did a lot of research and from what I found out killing the bees is only part of the problem. The bees lay eggs for the next year. You need to address that as well.

Here is what I did and it seems to be working. I got Seven Dust at Lowes. Not sure of the spelling. At the same time I picked up a pump duster. I put the dust in the dusters and pumped the dust into the holes. After a few days I was amazed at how few bees I was seeing. I think it kills the active bees but also the hatching ones the following spring. I found no reference on the dust bag that says it addresses this type of bee but it seems to be working for me.

I caulk the holes shut so I can watch for new holes. I have never gotten rid of them totally but I know have them under control. There is a barn across the road from me not under my control and I see them going back and forth.

I do have a tennis racket handy as well!!

Craig

 

[billbobtlh]

We have lots of carpenter bees at the house at the coast.
Give badmiton rackets to the kids. It is great entertainment. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif