Does anyone have any good suggestions on how to get rid of, or at least curtail, the carpenter bees?
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We have a huge deck and they are already swarming. Have had it professionally sprayed in the past years but didn't really see much of a difference. Last year, used the Raid hornet spray and it helped some but could have used a can a day. Was hoping someone might have a "secret household ingredient" type spray we could try. Tyring to keep from adding more chemicals to the environment.
6 answers
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I'm not sure of any secret household products, but do the deck boards have any sort of finish on them? Carpenter bees usually tend to prefer unfinished/natural wood.
Dan's of Central Florida, Inc.
on Mar 08, 2012
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Did you spray the insecticide broadly or directly target their holes? That could make a difference. Also, spray in the late afternoon or evening when the bees are most likely to be "at home." You can also follow this up by caulking over their entrances to prevent re-entry once the insecticide has worn off.
3po3
on Mar 11, 2012
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They are one of the easiest pests to control. The only problem is they can travel long distances The tennis racquet idea while it sounds silly ... » actually is one way to control adults. But it will not control the larvae. Simple fix get any time of pesticide Wasp Freeze works well, if the container has a tube that extends out it is a plus.Take tube and insert into the bore hole. The bees go up and then turn at a 90 degree angle. Apply liberal amount of pesticide into hole. The bee will back oou of the hole and you can step on it. Wear shoes. Then take steel wool and stuff it into the hole and caulk or wood putty shut. Repeat process as many holes as you have.
Keller Pest Control
on Mar 11, 2012
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As an owner of a feed and farm supply store, there is a product called Demon WP, that kills them. It's a powder you mix with water and apply with a pump sprayer. We have nothing but good reviews on it. You can't find this just anywhere, check your local feed or farm stores. It also kills roaches, ants, spiders and a host of other pest. Good luck!!
Phyllis M
on Mar 12, 2012
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Demon WP is a general use pesticide and it has an extremely high odor. Its not the best application method and you have to worry about dripping and wind . If you use it wear a mask goggles and rubber gloves when mixing and applying. The knock down also takes longer.
Keller Pest Control
on Mar 13, 2012
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Thanks all for your input... going to do a combination of all the remedies... going to spray in the evening with a insecticide, caulk the holes, and then restain the deck which is needed anyway.
Transform-A-Door, Inc.
on Mar 13, 2012
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