How to Get Rid of the Wood Borer Bees in My Log Home
Carpenter bees or wood-boring bees tunnel into the unpainted wood that is found around the eaves of log homes. They overwinter in tunnels created during the summer and then tunnel further into the wood in the spring to lay eggs and raise their young. The damage to the wood's integrity can be considerable through the years. They hover around the eaves of the house and dig out a round hole where they enter the wood structure. The male bee looks like a bumblebee with some yellow on its back, but not on the abdomen. The female will sting if disturbed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Insecticide for bee and wasp control
- All-weather caulk
- Caulking gun
- Wood putty
- Sandpaper
Instructions
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How to Get Rid of the Wood Borer Bees in My Log Home
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1
Locate the wood-borer bee or carpenter bee entrance hole. It is a perfectly round hole that is usually located on the side of the home where the wind does not blow. Also, it may be in the eaves of the house or a window or door trim.
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2
Spray insecticide that is specifically listed for wasp and bee control into the entrance hole as quickly and completely as possible in the evening when the bees are not active. Reapply the insecticide into the hole the following evening.
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3
Wait three days so the bees will enter the hole and carry the insecticide further into the nest before plugging the hole. Then squirt all-weather caulk into the hole until it almost reaches the entrance to the nest. Leave some room to apply the wood putty.
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4
Wait 24 hours for the putty to dry, and then apply wood putty into the remainder of the hole. Sand the wood putty smooth after it dries so it blends with the rest of the wood in a log home.
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Tips & Warnings
In severe infestations, the wood will need to be removed and replaced.
Paint all bare wood instead of allowing wood to be bare. Bare wood attracts the carpenter bees that normally nest in dead trees.
