How to Organically Exterminate Carpenter Bees
Although they rarely sting, carpenter bees are a destructive pest that can cause extensive damage to almost any softwood structure. The bees nest by digging into wood and creating a network of tunnels where they lay their eggs. Carpenter bees can be organically exterminated with boric acid, a natural compound available in most hardware stores and even some supermarkets. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find the nest
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1
Examine the area where the bees appear to be nesting and locate all the entrance holes, which are round and about 1/2 inch in diameter. Mark each hole with chalk so that all entries to the nest will be treated.
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2
Liberally dust each entrance hole to the nest with boric acid, a white power with a consistency similar to salt. Place as much boric acid as possible into each tunnel.
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3
Wait at least 48 hours before reexamining the nest. Unlike many spray insecticides that kill insects instantly, boric acid requires some time to take effect. The powder will stick to the feet of bees coming in and out of the entrance holes and will be carried into the deepest sections of the nest.
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4
Watch the nest for any signs of activity. Boric acid will damage the stomachs of the bees. It is also a desiccant, a substance that causes dehydration. Once it is spread among the bees in the nest, it will dry out and eventually destroy their exoskeletons. If several days pass and the bees are no longer moving in and out of the entrance holes, it is safe to assume they have either died or left the nest.
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5
Fill the entrance holes to the nest with either putty or caulk to prevent other carpenter bees from adopting the site. Apply a fresh coat of paint or varnish over the plugged holes. Carpenter bees prefer untreated wood and keeping softwood surfaces well painted is one of the best ways to prevent an infestation.
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References
- Photo Credit carpenter bee image by Richard Seeney from Fotolia.com
