debodun
SF VIP
- Location
- way upstate in New York, USA
A woodpecker going at it on my backyard shed. I hope it gets all those carpenter bee larvae.
Last edited:
A morning visitor today
- Thread starter debodun
- Start date
Lilac
Well-known Member
- Location
- Flyover Country
I can relate to having problems with carpenter bees. We have several species of woodpeckers that live in the woods that help us out.
debodun
SF VIP
- Location
- way upstate in New York, USA
That tool shed is infested with carpenter bees. They swarm around when I open the door, but they don't seem very aggressive, though. When I get my tables out of it for a garage sale, I've never been stung.
Carpenter Bee Stingers
Female Carpenter Bees
- Stinger Presence: Female carpenter bees possess a stinger.
- Aggressiveness: They are generally docile and will only sting if provoked, such as when handled or if their nest is disturbed.
- Multiple Stings: Unlike some bees, female carpenter bees can sting multiple times.
Male Carpenter Bees
- Stinger Absence: Male carpenter bees do not have a stinger.
- Behavior: They may display aggressive behavior by buzzing around to protect their territory, but they cannot sting.
Lilac
Well-known Member
- Location
- Flyover Country
I've swatted them with my hands & a badmitten racket over the years haven't been stung. No one I know who has dealt with them haven't been stung either.
I found wood bee traps at Lowe's that worked. They weren't cheap, but the alternative is more expensive. You can make some yourself, but it was easier for me to buy them. This is the second year I've put them up on the house on each side of the house & caught quite a lot.
I found wood bee traps at Lowe's that worked. They weren't cheap, but the alternative is more expensive. You can make some yourself, but it was easier for me to buy them. This is the second year I've put them up on the house on each side of the house & caught quite a lot.
Lilac
Well-known Member
- Location
- Flyover Country
We replaced the scab wood on the second floor of our log cabin with Hardy cement board. We picked one out that resembled what would have been put on original cabins & matched the color as best as we could with what they had. Probably next year well repaint & get a closer color. It's funny to watch the bees go to the cement board & bounce off.
The log beams that come out under the roof & anywhere else on the exterior above the 8' line was boxed in with aluminum so they couldn't reach them anymore. The beams under the porch & front/back overhang wasn't bothered like up high. We do keep a can of wasp spray that works well in killing them & once sprayed in the beginning of a hole, they don't bother with it.
We use Flood Clear Wood Finish (CWF) in clear color to paint from the 8' line down & it helps repel them. We repainted this year so next spring will be better.
The log beams that come out under the roof & anywhere else on the exterior above the 8' line was boxed in with aluminum so they couldn't reach them anymore. The beams under the porch & front/back overhang wasn't bothered like up high. We do keep a can of wasp spray that works well in killing them & once sprayed in the beginning of a hole, they don't bother with it.
We use Flood Clear Wood Finish (CWF) in clear color to paint from the 8' line down & it helps repel them. We repainted this year so next spring will be better.
Been There
Well-known Member
- Location
- Florida
A woodpecker has to peck. That’s his job. Gotta’ keep busy.
Veronica
Head Shenanigator
- Location
- Eastern Midwestern Female
My barn had a bad infestation in the past. WD40 worked for me. You need the can with the attached straw that pivots.
The loose straw wont stay attached. BTDT. WD40 is oily and can stain so maybe a tarp if that bothers you. Its toxic to bees
but also to you so try not to snort it. Some gloves and some eye protection if you want. And some wood filler for the holes if you want. But I dont bother with any of that. Holes add to the charm of an old barn. Also Im lazy.
Bee tunnels dont go straight in they turn sideways. Best time to do this is in the evening when the bees are in the tunnels.
Work the straw in so it goes into the tunnel and squirt some WD40. You can plug the holes after 24 hours but I dont bother.
This will kill the bees in the tunnels and the smell acts as a deterrent to new bees. This is a only temporary solution,
and you will need to reapply a few times before they pack up and leave for good. It does work. Once I evicted mine I havent seen any since.
Forgot to add its toxic to other animals so be careful and try yo keep it in the holes only.
The loose straw wont stay attached. BTDT. WD40 is oily and can stain so maybe a tarp if that bothers you. Its toxic to bees
but also to you so try not to snort it. Some gloves and some eye protection if you want. And some wood filler for the holes if you want. But I dont bother with any of that. Holes add to the charm of an old barn. Also Im lazy.
Bee tunnels dont go straight in they turn sideways. Best time to do this is in the evening when the bees are in the tunnels.
Work the straw in so it goes into the tunnel and squirt some WD40. You can plug the holes after 24 hours but I dont bother.
This will kill the bees in the tunnels and the smell acts as a deterrent to new bees. This is a only temporary solution,
and you will need to reapply a few times before they pack up and leave for good. It does work. Once I evicted mine I havent seen any since.
Forgot to add its toxic to other animals so be careful and try yo keep it in the holes only.
Lilac
Well-known Member
- Location
- Flyover Country
I'll try the WD 40 in my fence posts. They are killing my pasture fences.
debodun
SF VIP
- Location
- way upstate in New York, USA
It would be easier and more environmentally friendly to get rid of the original shed (which looks like someone cobbled together out of leftover building materials), and get a fiberglass shed. I need a larger one anyway. Or I can just put up with them - they don't hurt me and I only have to deal with it once a year. Anyway, it's providing sustenance for woodpeckers.