Finding sawdust piles and perfectly round holes appearing in the deck or porch every spring is incredibly frustrating. Carpenter bees are persistent pests, and once they find a suitable piece of wood, they return year after year. This post covers the most effective ways to stop them.
Paint and Varnish Exposed Wood
Carpenter bees strongly prefer bare, unpainted, or weathered wood. Applying a coat of paint or varnish to all exposed wood surfaces is one of the most effective deterrents. Pay special attention to the ends of boards, which are often left unfinished and are a prime target.
Use Hardwoods or Non-Wood Materials
Carpenter bees prefer softwoods like cedar, pine, and redwood. When replacing damaged wood or building new structures, using hardwoods or composite materials makes the wood much less attractive to them.
Treat and Seal Existing Holes
It is critical to treat existing holes before sealing them. If the holes are sealed without treating the larvae inside, the new bees will simply chew their way out through the wood, causing more damage. Treat the gallery with an appropriate insecticide, wait a few days, then seal the hole with wood putty and paint over it.
Get Rid of Carpenter Bees in Overland Park
Hire Frontier Trapper for comprehensive treatment and prevention. A professional treatment covers all the existing holes and provides a protective barrier to deter new drilling. Contact us today to get rid of carpenter bees in Overland Park.