PDF version of Carpenter Bees Fact Sheet - Entomology

managementLocate the wood in which the bees are active and apply an insecticidaldust directly into nest openings. This is best accomplishedby using a duster that will puff the dust up into the tunnel andcoat the sides. To avoid possible stings, treat the area at night.Use a flashlight, over which a piece of red cellophane has beentaped. The bees cannot see the red light, but you should be ableto see the openings. If you must treat during the daytime, use apyrethrum spray or wasp and hornet spray to knock down any beesflying about. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, gloves,goggles and a respirator or dust mask because the insecticidaldust will frequently become airborne and may drop down ontoyou as you dust the tunnel. Launder any contaminated clothingimmediately (do not mix with other household laundry items)and take a shower to remove and insecticidal dust. Because ofthe obvious risks associated with treating carpenter bee holes ineaves or soffits, many homeowners will contract with a licensedpest control company to provide this service.Do not plug the holes immediately! The bees should be able topass freely through the nest entrance where they will contact thedust and distribute it inside the tunnels. Also any new maturedbees will emerge through the openings and contact the dust placedthere. It is a good idea to treat in the spring, when bees are firstobserved, again in mid-summer to kill any bees which may nothave acquired a sufficient treatment when they emerged, and athird time in early fall to contact any over-wintering bees occupyingthe tunnels. In the fall, the holes should be filled with woodputty or wooden dowels and the entire wood surface painted orvarnished. Stained wood is not usually protected from attack.WARNINGPesticides are poisonous. Read and follow directions and safetyprecautions on labels. Handle carefully and store in original labeledcontainers out of the reach of children, pets, and livestock.Dispose of empty containers right away, in a safe manner andplace. Do not contaminate forage, streams, or ponds.Steve JacobsSr. Extension AssociateDept. of EntomologyReviewed January 2014HP-2 © The Pennsylvania State University 2014This publication is available in alternative media on request.Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by The PennsylvaniaState University or Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is implied.Entomological Notes are intended to serve as a quick reference guide and should not be usedas a substitute for product label information. Although every attempt is made to produceEntomological Notes that are complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears theresponsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Works, Acts of Congress May 8 and June 30,1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Legislature.D. Jackson, Director of Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania State University.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equalaccess to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristicsnot related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy orby state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and workenvironment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State Universityprohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color,disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteranstatus. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated atThe Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policyto the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Bouke Building,University Park, PA 16802-5901, Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.