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How to Kill Carpenter Bees Fast
How to Kill Carpenter Bees Fast. Carpenter bees are often seen hovering about wooden eaves and porch railings during the summer months. These large bees, which derive their name from the ability to bore tunnels into wood, are a great benefit to the environment, pollinating a wide variety of crops and flowering plants. Carpenter bees, however, can...
Carpenter bees are often seen hovering about wooden eaves and porch railings during the summer months. These large bees, which derive their name from the ability to bore tunnels into wood, are a great benefit to the environment, pollinating a wide variety of crops and flowering plants. Carpenter bees, however, can become a nuisance. Although they are solitary and do not swarm or live in hives, their repeated tunneling in wood can cause structural damage. Individual bees can be killed quickly, though long-term treatment offers the best results.
Things You'll Need
Can of bee and hornet killer
Insecticide dust (preferably containing carbaryl)
Duster
Cork or aluminum foil
Kill individual carpenter bees fast by using a bee and hornet killer spray. These aerosol sprays can be purchased at almost every department, grocery and/or hardware store. Get as close to the bees as possible when spraying them. Try to stay upwind and wear the proper protective clothing. The spray should knock the bees down and kill them almost immediately.
Apply the insecticide dust directly into the tunnels using a duster or applicator of your choice. This will kill any female bees that are inside the tunnel. The residual effect of the poison will also destroy any larvae that exists within the tunnel.
Wait a few days and then plug the hole with cork or a rolled-up ball of aluminum foil. If you wish, you can coat the plug with wood glue to ensure that it stays in place. It is important that you wait a few days, as this allows any remaining bees to distribute the insecticide dust throughout the network of tunnels.
Tips & Warnings
Prevention goes a long way towards solving carpenter bee problems. Once you've plugged all tunnels, you can stop future infestations by painting any exposed wood with a quality outdoor paint. Carpenter bees will generally not attempt to create nests in wood that has been painted.
Check your state's specific regulations regarding the use of certain insecticides and always read the warning labels on the container.
