Carpenter Bees

[Isabella7Storm5]

I'm looking for a way to keep carpenter bees away from the coop without using anything toxic.
I'll take any suggestions!
Thanks!

 

[AidKD]

They don't like the smell of citrus and they don't vinegar. You could try making a spray from the two. Or, you could set up a bee box away from your house so they have an alternate, ready to use house.

 

[Krugerrand]

I have good luck with these.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Best-Bee-Brothers-Carpenter-Bee-Trap/318886235

I got some on clearance at Walmart a few years back. If you're handy, they can be built without too much effort.

 

[Krugerrand]

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Carpenter-Bee-Trap
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/carpenter-ants

The maker of that trap I linked even has steps on how to make one rather than buy their product:
https://bestbeebrothers.com/blogs/blog/how-to-create-a-diy-carpenter-bee-trap

 

[Isabella7Storm5]

They don't like the smell of citrus and they don't vinegar. You could try making a spray from the two. Or, you could set up a bee box away from your house so they have an alternate, ready to use house.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Carpenter-Bee-Trap
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/carpenter-ants

The maker of that trap I linked even has steps on how to make one rather than buy their product:
https://bestbeebrothers.com/blogs/blog/how-to-create-a-diy-carpenter-bee-trap

Thank you so much! I'll try the spray and if that doesnt work i'll try the trap.

 

[aart]

I have good luck with these.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Best-Bee-Brothers-Carpenter-Bee-Trap/318886235

I got some on clearance at Walmart a few years back. If you're handy, they can be built without too much effort.

What attracts them to this gadget?

 

[Krugerrand]

What attracts them to this gadget?

When they go after wood for nesting, they seek out and explore holes such as what this has. Also, on their website they list "the pheromone smell of the dead carpenter bees [ ] is extremely attractive to other carpenter bees and keeps the trap active."

I gave one of these to my neighbor. They would go after the wood on his porch a lot, and he'd end up catching a bunch with his, too.

 

[aart]

When they go after wood for nesting, they seek out and explore holes such as what this has. Also, on their website they list "the pheromone smell of the dead carpenter bees [ ] is extremely attractive to other carpenter bees and keeps the trap active."

I gave one of these to my neighbor. They would go after the wood on his porch a lot, and he'd end up catching a bunch with his, too.

So did you bait your trap with a dead carpenter bee or three?

 

[Krugerrand]

So did you bait your trap with a dead carpenter bee or three?

No, eventually one finds its way in there.

 

[Krugerrand]

Basically, carpenter bees are only a threat to wood when they are looking to lay eggs. So, if they aren't looking to lay eggs, there's no need to 'attract' them. If they are around looking for a spot, and you have a trap or two up, there's a good chance they'll check out one of these holes and get themselves stuck.