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Carpenter Bees

15463 Views 20 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  nuevopintor, 
Tonyg
I thought it had been discussed here before but couldn't find it. I have seen a ton of carpenter bees this year, or at least the houses that had them were infested in a big way. I usually let them know to call an exterminator but would like to give them a better answer or at least help educate them a bit.

Have you run across this much? Micky?
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Housepainter
Here is some info.

http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef611.asp

I have found you can also treat (soak the wood) with a good insecticide before painting or staining (let insecticde dry before painting). Seal up the bore holes. Usually you will not hear the buzzing sound when you come back to paint. The bees either die or move on...;)
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Housepainter
Tonyg said:
:clap: Xylocopa virginica

Ok, will a fresh coat of paint stop them? I usually see them behind the fascia - how are they treated and should they be treated before the paint job? How could I use this as a sales tool or do I just call an exterminator?
Click to expand...

If a customer ask them if they want to call their exterminator.

However I carry with me.. Ortho Home Defense Max. Follow my post above.
Let the product dry on the area where the bee are entering or boring in.
I did this one a house this past weekend. Completed my prep, and painted today. No sight of the bees.
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Housepainter
Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees, but the upper surface of their abdomen is bare and shiny black; bumble bees have a hairy abdomen with at least some yellow markings.


​

Despite their similar appearance, the nesting habits of the two types of bees are quite different. Bumble bees usually nest in the ground whereas carpenter bees tunnel into wood to lay their eggs. Bare, unpainted or weathered softwoods are preferred, especially redwood, cedar, cypress and pine. Painted or pressure-treated wood is much less susceptible to attack. Common nesting sites include eaves, window trim, facia boards, siding, wooden shakes, decks and outdoor furniture.
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