How to Eliminate Carpenter Bees

During the early spring and summer, it's common for homeowners to see bees flying around their homes. Carpenter bees are often mistaken for being bumble bees due to their similar appearance, however there are significant differences in the two species and their habits. Despite their differences, carpenter bees are still pests that need to be eliminated. Read on to learn how to eliminate carpenter bees.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pressurized Bee/Wasp Spray
• Dust, Wettable Powder or Microencapsulated Insecticide
• Squeeze Bottle With Flexible Nozzle
• Caulk, Plastic Wood or Wooden Dowel
• Rubber Gloves
• Paint

1. Locate where the bees are nesting. It's pretty easy to determine this because the male carpenter bees fly around protecting the nest. You can tell where the nests are just by paying attention to where the carpenter bees fly near. Another sign of a nest is holes in exposed wood.

2. Spray bee or wasp spray into the tunnels leading to the nests. Use a pressurized can of spray that shoots out in a stream. Cotton soaked in insecticide has also proven to be effective when placed into the holes.

3. Insert a dust, wettable powder or microencapsulated insecticide formulation inside the tunnels to the nests. Dusts usually work the best. These insecticides are longer lasting. A flexible bottle with a nozzle often works best for this type of application. The bottle should be filled nearly one-third full. The nozzle should be inserted into the hole. Squeeze the bottle to inject the dust into the nests of the carpenter bees.

4. Fill the holes with a caulking compound, plastic wood or a tight-fitting wooden dowel glued into place. Painting the wooden surface can also be a deterrent for future attacks of carpenter bees.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber gloves when using insecticide.

• Spring is the best time to eliminate carpenter bees by applying the insecticide before mating and egg-laying activity has begun.

• Use caution when using insecticides.

• Do not allow children or pets around treated areas before they have a chance to dry.

• Properly dispose of unused portions of insecticide.