Carpenter bees are one of the most common types of bees people have to deal with in their homes. These insects build nests inside wood and other materials, like siding or window frames, where they chew holes into the surface so they can lay eggs. They also leave a sawdust-like material on your exterior walls, which feels oily to the touch. This is because carpenter bees secrete oil from glands in their abdomen as they bore through a wood to make room for brood cells. The best way to get rid of carpenter bees is by using a home remedy that will kill them instantly.
Using A Vacuum Cleaner
The vacuum cleaner method is a great way to rid your home of carpenter bees. Plug in the appliance and turn it on, then use the nozzle attachment to suck up any insects or larvae you see as soon as they fly by. Be careful not to touch them with your bare skin because their oil can cause irritation to your skin!
This is a fast and easy way to kill them. You can also combine the vacuum cleaner method with another home remedy like boiling water if you want to get rid of more insects at once.
Making Loud Noise
Another way to kill carpenter bees is by making noise. Get a large, powerful horn like those used for school or sporting events and use it to scare them away from your home. This should also work on other flying insects because the sound waves will disturb their flight pattern, making it difficult for them to pass in straight lines.
Blocking The Holes
The best way to kill carpenter bees is by blocking the holes in your home. Once you find where they are nesting, seal them off to not return and then wait a few days for them to die from starvation or dehydration. This is one of the most effective ways to keep these pests out because it removes their means of entering and exiting and thus leaves them no way to escape.
Spraying Diesel Fuel
Spraying them with diesel fuel is another method of getting rid of carpenter bees. Once sprayed, these pests will quickly die because diesel fuels are toxic to insects. Spray any nesting holes or areas where you see them congregating or flying.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are another excellent method for killing carpenter bees. You’ll need a few drops of peppermint oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil to make this work. Mix all three together in a small spray bottle, then use it to cover the areas where you see them flying or nesting.
Bee Sprays
Bee sprays are a popular choice for people who want to get rid of these pests without having to do any work. These chemicals will attack the nervous system and cause paralysis then death after repeated exposure, which is why they’re so effective. You just need to spray them with it from up high until they stop moving or die off completely.
Acid
Acid is a great way to kill carpenter bees. This will completely dissolve their exoskeleton and cause them to die off quickly, although it may take a few days for the acids to do all of the work since carpenter bees are tough insects. You can use any type of acid, but muriatic acid is the most effective because it’s so strong and relatively safe to humans when handled properly.
Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth In The Nests
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in the nests to kill them. Diatomaceous earth is a powder with sharp edges that are made out of tiny fossilized algae. When carpenter bees walk over it, they’ll get nicks and cuts on their feet which are very painful but also deadly for these types of insects because there will be no way for them to heal from such damage without an exoskeleton.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is another home remedy that will kill carpenter bees. Sprinkle it in their nests or any areas where you see them hanging out to make sure they don’t come back and then wait a few days for the spice to start killing these pests.
Badminton Rackets
You can kill carpenter bees by using a badminton racket. All you need to do is hit the insects directly with it until they’re dead when they fly close enough to make contact. It’s important that this happens quickly in order for them not to escape, but if done right, then there should be no problem at all, and the job will be easy.
How To Prevent Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees can be a nuisance since they are known to drill holes in wood and bump against your window repeatedly. Many people confuse carpenter bees with bumble bees. Still, they are quite different as they have a shiny black abdomen compared to the furry one of bumble bees. Most people do not realize they have a carpenter bee problem until it is too late, so you should take precautionary measures before spring arises. Here are some things you can do.
Paint Your Wood
Although paint does not create a strong barrier against the wood and the bee, the carpenter bee will be tempted to move elsewhere because the wood does not look like it should. Additionally, carpenter bees are put off by chemically treated wood because it is more challenging to burrow into, so they may be tempted to find a different piece of wood to frill into. If you do not want to change the look of your wood too much, you can simply apply a coat of clear varnish, which will have the same repelling effect.
Use Citrus Essential Oil
Most insects are sensitive to potent smells, such as that of citrus essential oil. Smells such as grapefruit, lemongrass, lime, lemon, and bergamot also work well to deter these flies. They are also safe for humans and work as natural and safe bee repellent. To make this essential oil repellent, boil the sliced citrus fruit in water for 10 to 15 minutes, cool it, and strain it into a spray bottle. For the best results, spray your wood a few times a week.
Install Chimes or Speakers
Suppose you want to prevent carpenter bees from making a home in your fence or your home. In that case, you can hang heavy wind chimes as they vibrate and make noise, disturbing them and forcing them to move elsewhere. You can even install speakers outside and play a sound with deep bass. The vibrations from the speaker will disorient them and force them to burrow someplace else.
Conclusion
In springtime, many insects and bugs tend to come out, but some can damage your home. Carpenter bees are one of them, which is why you should be adequately prepared to deal with them and take all the precautionary measures to prevent them from making a nest in your home.
As you have observed, there are many different home remedies for killing carpenter bees. The best way to get rid of them will depend on your personal preferences, but you’ll have success with any method if the insects come into contact with it.