Carpenter Bees Extermination

Bees and wasps are insects that are often viewed with awe and fear, as they can inflict painful stings. It is said that there are around 20,000 types of bees, across the globe. While some are social bees that live in colonies, others are solitary bees that are found alone. Some of these bees, even if they are solitary, are found to live in nearby areas. An example of a social bee is honey bee and carpenter bee is a classic example of solitary bee. However, carpenter bees are found to live closer, sometimes in really large numbers. Even though, they are said to be docile insects, females can inflict painful bee stings. So in case of their accumulation in a particular area, carpenter bees extermination has to be done.

Carpenter Bee Facts

They are large bees with hairy bodies. They may resemble bumble bees, due to the size, but, the latter have hairy abdomen. The name carpenter bees is derived from the fact that most of these bees build their nest in dead wood and bamboo. They are excellent drillers and the females can drill holes and make nests in structures made of wood. They are commonly found to build their nest in wooden siding and decks, and if you find any sawdust accumulation near these structures, make sure to check for carpenter bees' nests.

As compared to some other species, these bees are found to be docile and refrain from stinging, unless they are attacked. This does not mean that they do not sting. Being big in size, they can scare away people, especially, kids. Even though, they are solitary, they can build nests in nearby areas and can result in their accumulation, which can be sometimes unsafe. So, in case you find their nests in the house or surroundings, you must think of adopting some extermination methods.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

Once you identify these bees frequenting a particular place, check for their nests. You may find holes (with around half-inch diameter) on wooden structures with lots of sawdust nearby. Check for yellowish particles that are actually the excrement of these insects. Each nest will be infested by a male and a female. The males are often found to roam around the nest. Locating the nests will prove beneficial for carpenter bees extermination.

• One of the easy methods to get rid of these bees is to cover their nests with a material that cannot be burrowed. For this purpose, you may use steel wool, wood putty, caulk or any other sealants. But, make sure to wear mask and gloves, while doing this task, so as to avoid getting stung.
• Another method to get rid of carpenter bees is to spray petrol into their nests and nearby areas. However, this method can be risky, as petrol is an inflammable substance. Even boric acid is said to work wonders, in order to eliminate them.
• You may use a vacuum cleaner to suck out the insects from the nest. This should be done, during dusk or dawn, when the insects are normally found inside the nests. All you have to do is to use the smallest attachment that has to be fixed on the hole and suck out the insect. Seal the holes immediately.
• There are many different types of insecticides that can be used to get rid of carpenter bees extermination. You may choose one of them and apply directly on their nests. Soak the nest with the product and seal them.

In short, exterminating carpenter bees is not a daunting task, provided, you know the right methods. Take enough precautionary measures to avoid their stings, while using these methods. It will be better to prevent their infestation by painting the wood. Even the cracks and crevices on wooden structures must be sealed, to deter these insects from making their nests.