How do I keep carpenter bees from boring holes in my new outdoor space

Question

I just built an outdoor covered area and do not want to screen it in but we used breadboard for ceiling and back wall. Since it is not treated, is there anything I can do now to keep carpenter bees from digging holes in the untreated breadboard?

Darla · Answer

You might try boring holes in some wood scraps and hanging them from trees.

Lee Ann Meriwether Frankford · Answer

I read recently that you can get rid of carpenter bees, wasps, flies and other pesky insects by pouring water into ziplock bags and placing a few coins in each bag.  Then place the bags strategically around the perimeter hanging them around your property.  The theory was that flies have many eyes and think it is a larger threat so they stay away.  I sure hope this works, besides it doesn't cost much to try.

Marti · Answer

I saw on here from another poster saying hang a paper sack stuffed with plastic grocery bags and making it resemble a hornets nest would help with wasps and bees. Don't know if it works, I've yet to try it, but I'm having the same trouble with Carpenter Bees myself.

Katrina Warren · Answer

@Cathy Love the natural stained look of your patio, but the best way to stop the carpenter bees from boring holes is to paint the wood. :/ http://www.loghomecare.com/carpenter_bees.html

Cathy · Answer

Thank you everyone for your ideas. They have all been helpful. I will certainly be trying all of the suggestions.

Judith Horne · Answer

Saw the solution recently: google 'Carpenter Bee Solutions'. A gentleman named Brian Blazer at Heflin Alabama sells both traps and carpenter bee butter.

Cathy · Answer

Thank you Judith, I'll google it!

Avs7548702 · Answer

Get DEEP WOODS OFF DRY insect repellant spray. Squirt a very tiny bit into the hole. Bees are immediately discouraged but not killed. Keep looking for new sawdust piles as bees keep looking!

Maria · Answer

until I noticed that when the bees approached my painted wood windows and shutters they flew away so I painted my pergola and they didn't come back.   Unfortunately the paint started to peel after a couple years.    I used a can of combined paint and primer.   If you use exterior primer first then paint with exterior paint you may not have the peeling problem.

Cathy · Answer

Thank you for the info,  we may try that in other areas but we have stained bead board and  do not want to paint it. We did find bee traps that work great.

David · Answer

I've tried several bee traps, but never trapped a single bee. Where did you get yours?

How do I keep carpenter bees from boring holes in my new outdoor space

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How do I keep carpenter bees from boring holes in my new outdoor space

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