How to Treat Wood for Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are large bees, approximately one inch long. They are yellow and black, closely resembling bumblebees. Unlike bumblebees, however, the abdomen of a carpenter bee is usually a shiny black . Carpenter bees are often found flying around the eaves of houses, porches, and decks. Once it discovers untreated wood, the carpenter bee begins excavating tunnels in order to utilize them as both hibernation and brood chambers. Bare, weathered, and unpainted wood is most susceptible to carpenter bees. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Drione Insecticide Dust
- Hand Duster
- Wooden Dowel
- Wood Glue
- Wood Putty/Caulk
- Outdoor Paint or Gloss Topcoat
Instructions
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During the daylight hours, observe where the bees are active and which tunnels are being bored. Oftentimes you will see bits of sawdust drifting down from active holes. Wait until evening and use your hand duster to directly apply the Drione into the tunnels.
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Do not immediately plug the tunnels. Wait a few days so as to allow the insecticide to be transferred to the larvae cells, as well as amongst the other bees.
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Coat a small wooden dowel with wood glue and push it securely into the tunnel. If you don't have a dowel, you may use cork or roll up small balls of aluminum foil.
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Use wood putty or caulk to fill any remaining gaps between the plug and the tunnel.
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After the caulk or putty has dried, you should apply a coat of outdoor paint to the area as well as all other untreated wood. If you have a log home, or a material that you don't wish to paint, you may apply gloss topcoat on top of stained surfaces . Carpenter bees generally do not attempt to tunnel in wood that is painted or has a shiny, hard appearance.
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Tips & Warnings
If possible, wait until late spring, or whenever the bees are most active, to begin treating your property. This ensures that your treatment will affect the optimum number of bees.
Because carpenter bees are pollinators, they are beneficial to the environment. If they are not bothering your property, do not attempt to kill them.
When using any type of insecticide, always be sure to read the warning labels, wear protective clothing, and wash your hands afterward.
