Carpenter bee traps

[Philip Duffy]

Anyone have a detailed drawing on how to build a trap for these pests? They get my home every year and cause a bunch of damage in the wood.

[Ben Hatcher]

Call an exterminator.

[russell lusthaus]

stuff steel wool in the holes - keeps em from entering or exiting and the babies inside die. Could spray a little bee killer in the hole and around the area as well.

[Charles Lent]

I don't know if a trap exists for these pests, but when they went after the pine fascia boards of my shop a few years ago I just sprayed a foaming wasp/hornet spray in each hole and then plugged them a few days later with wood plugs and glue. I haven't had any more infestations since.

Charley

[Lee Schierer]

I prefer one of these and a good back hand swing.

[Gary Hodgin]

I've had an ongoing battle with the pests for a couple of years. They're in my backyard shed. This year I'm beating them. I think the first line of protection is paint. They can get through it but really prefer raw wood. Second, spray something in the holes to kill what you can. I used that wasp/hornet spray from Home Depot. Do this late in the afternoon/early evening when they're more likely to be home. Leave things along for 24 to 48 hours. Enough time for stragglers to return home. Third, I plug the hole with something. It could be a dowel, silicon, or wood putty. This year I used the wood putty provided in the link. Much easier than trying to fit a dowel. The holes generally aren't straight in so a dowel is sometimes hard to fit. After you think you've gotten killed them or driven them away paint. I've used screen in some areas to keep them away. Do all the other stuff before you use any screen. They'll drill out if you screen them in alive. I'm no expert but this procedure has helped.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

Google has a lot on carpenter bees. Here's a link to something at NC State University.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/no...penterbees.htm

[Gary Hodgin]

Phillip,
I think you know this, but these things can destroy you house if not taken care of . My wife's first cousin's house was almost destroyed. He built one of those really nice two-story log homes about 15 or 20 years. About 10 years ago they started getting carpenter bees. They tried the types of stuff I described and called exterminators several times. The things had gotten too bad apparently. They ended up putting siding on their home. As far as I know it solved the bee problem, but ruined the looks of their home.

[Philip Duffy]

Well, for starters, I have tried the exterminators- - -far to ignorant to solve the problem -- -they just want my cash. Yes, the bugs can destroy the house - --I just had a bunch of repair work done. If I could reach the holes I would put bondo in and re-paint. So, I am off to the NCSU.EDU site to see if they have an answer to my question. Later-- No, afraid they have lots of info but no plans. Phil

[David Weaver]

I have been using a boric acid powder called Tim Bor (mixed with water) for every type of wood-loving insect that I have found. I haven't yet found any of them that can tolerate (or survive) it. I think it is supposed to be a pre-treatment for bare wood, but it works fine as long as you don't mind that it leaves a white residue (that can be washed off of any exterior surfaces it ends up on) and as long as you can get it somewhere that it will actually come in contact with the bees.

Sevin dust would also work if you can get it where it needs to go.

[Gary Max]

Phill I saw a ad for the trap last week but they wanted $20.00 for it so I really didn't give it much thought-----I will see if I can find it. It looked like a house with a 16 oz bottle hanging out of the bottom.


Here's what I found----------------------------http://www.beegonesolutions.com/index.php?option=com_opencart&Itemid=57&route=prod uct/product&product_id=53

[Gary Hodgin]

Phillip,
I found this one you tube, not a detailed plan but it doesn't look that complicated. There's also something on ehow on how to build a trap with soda bottles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g2TRanAkSA

[David G Baker]

I use a product called Drione. It kills instantly on contact, is water resistant, will last for several months and is dusted into areas where carpenter bees have penetrated wood. Do a Google search and check it out. It is applied with a duster. Don't let the price stop you from trying it because a little of the product goes a long way. It can be hard to find but if you are willing to spend the time looking for a supplier you can get it.

[Joseph Tarantino]

an exterminator remedied my problem short term with a powder, probably drione, that was applied to the holes. dramaticlly decreased the infestation the first year i had it done, and the succeeding two years continued the decline in carpenter bee infestation. the ultimate solution occurred when i had the house vinyl sided, with all the trim covered with coil stock. no exposed wood, no carpenter bees.

[Philip Duffy]

Thanks David, Appreciate the helpful answer. Phil

[Dick Strauss]

Beware that caulking the holes closed doesn't work... they will push the caulking right back out if they are trapped.