HOW to GET RID of CARPENTER BEE

Controlling carpenter bees are similar to controlling other bees; however, in some ways they are different. Carpenter bees will drill a hole into the wood structure and will live in the hole, whereas, other bees will build a hive. When carpenter bees drill through the wood, the females are the ones that usually do so. The hole will be as big as the female. She will build a nest in a 90 degree angle. Most of the carpenter bees do not sting, however there are some situations when they will. Male carpenter bees do not have stinger, but the females do and they have a very low dose of venom; so still be extremely cautious when you are approaching them. Be careful when you are trying to control a carpenter bee, because the male bee will confront you when you enter their territory. The carpenter bee looks similar to the bumble bee except that the carpenter bee abdomen is black and shiny instead of yellow. The male carpenter bee will have a yellow face and the female will have a black face and they are about 1'' long.

CARPENTER BEE INSPECTION

Carpenter bees normally prefer unpainted and weathered wood; although that does not mean that they will not tunnel into your home. They can also be found in partially decayed live oak, deciduous oak, eucalyptus, and other hardwoods, some nests in incense cedar and redwoods and structural timbers. You can also look at your home to see if there are small holes on your structure such as the side, under gutters, shutters, wooden decks/patios, attics, and any where else that is made out of wood.

CARPENTER BEE CONTROL METHODS

When treating the carpenter bees nests, avoid the entrance opening of the hive when you are treating it because it only increases the chance of being stung.

Carpenter Bee treatment is generally applied with a liquid spray (MASTERLINE BIFENTHRIN, SUSPEND SC, CYPER WP, DEMON WP), dust (DELTA DUST, DRIONE DUST), and aerosols (V ONE PYRETHRUM , STINGRAY WASP & HORNET SPRAY,PT WASP-FREEZE AEROSOL, JK27 RESIDUAL). They are to be applied to small cracks and crevices in a structure for a bee may enter or build its nest near. For liquid spray application (MASTERLINE BIFENTHRIN, SUSPEND SC, CYPER WP, DEMON WP), you will need to have a pressure sprayer or a gallon sprayer (CHAPIN 1 GALLON SPRAYER). You will need to apply using the amount that is directed on the label and may need to reapply if needed. You will have to use a low pressure system with a pinpoint or variable patter nozzle to apply the spray mixture to areas such as the side, under gutters, shutters, wooden decks/patios, attics, and any where else that Carpenter Bee nests are found. The dust application is simple. However, when using the dust please be cautious especially when children and pets are present. Dust (DELTA DUST, DRIONE DUST) and aerosol formulas (V ONE PYRETHRUM , STINGRAY WASP & HORNET SPRAY,PT WASP-FREEZE AEROSOL, JK27 RESIDUAL) are generally preferred here. If you find a hole on the side outside of your home, insert the tip of the duster with an extender (BELLOW DUSTER, CENTROBULB DUSTER ) containing the dust into the hole and use as directed to holes or channels in damaged wooden member of the structure, to cracks, spaces or bearing joints between the wood members of the structure, or in the holes of the hives. Apply lightly and uniformly to infested area. DO NOT OVER USE DUST. We suggest that you use DELTA DUST because even in moisture, it will not wash out or be blown out. This dust is active for 6 to 8 months. Using the aerosol formula (V ONE PYRETHRUM , STINGRAY WASP & HORNET SPRAY,PT WASP-FREEZE AEROSOL, JK27 RESIDUAL), be cautioned because aerosol is a liquid. So, do not use in electric outings, use only dust. You will need to attach a thin straw to the nozzle depending on the product, and spray into the hole. Since the aerosol and/or dust will be the outer part of the hole, it will rub off on carpenter bees and it will transmit them inside the tunnel which in turn will cause them to die.

For more information, click here.