Carpenter bees are a major problem to homeowners and carpenters alike. The insects bore into wood, creating galleries to lay eggs and feed on the sap. They can cause significant damage to structures before they’re noticed. This article will discuss how to attract carpenter bees into carpenter bee traps with less effort!
Flowers
Carpenter bees are attracted to flowers, especially those with a strong scent. This is not so much for sustenance as it is because carpenter bees need flowers in order to reproduce and feed their larvae. Planting flowers around the traps can be an effective way of attracting carpenter bees.
One of their favorite plants is sunflowers, and it’s easy to find them at most nurseries or big box stores! Planting these types of flowers near structures will help entice any passing carpenter bees into nesting in your garden.
A wide variety of flowers will be suitable for attracting carpenter bees. Some popular options include:Black-eyed Susan, Impatiens, Marigold, Snapdragon, Zinnia (also known as zebra,note that zebra flowers are not the same as African daisies!), and Lady slipper.
Using Untreated Wood
Carpenter bees are attracted to untreated wood because it offers them a warm, dry place to nest. If you want carpenter bees trapped in your property, the best way is to seal up any holes in structures that need repair or have been damaged by previous infestation. This will make it easy for carpenter bees to enter.
You can also use untreated wood in the same way as flowers–by placing it near structures that need repair or have been damaged by previous infestation, you will attract carpenter bees away from those areas and into traps instead!
You can also place untreated lumber near trees, as this will attract carpenter bees because it offers them a safe, warm environment for their larvae!
Remember that you should only use untreated wood–never use treated or painted wood, even though they may seem to be more aesthetically pleasing. It’s best to use untreated wood so that the carpenter bees can’t escape back into your home or business!
Using Old Nests
Carpenter bees are very sensitive to chemicals, so they will be attracted to old carpenter bee nests. If you have an area where there’s a lot of infestation and the activity is concentrated in one location or limited areas, remember that this may be because it’s too near their nest site!
If possible, try moving the old nest to a new location. This will prevent carpenter bees from returning and nesting in that area, which should decrease the infestation levels over time!
You can also put out traps near old nests as it may attract more passing carpenters into those areas for capture–just remember to place them at least 50 feet away so you don’t attract them out of the traps!
Unprotected Plank Ends
Carpenter bees are attracted to unprotected plank ends. If you have any areas where there’s unfinished wood or the boards aren’t attached to a structure, it will draw carpenter bees in like a moth to a flame!
These are especially attractive when they’re on the ground, as it makes them feel safe and sheltered from predators or other threats.
This is a great way of luring carpenter bees into traps because you can put them close to structures that need repair or have been damaged by a previous infestation.
Using Pine-Sol
Carpenter bees like to build their nests in moist wood. You can make a carpenter bee trap attractive by using Pine-Sol–a popular home remedy that acts as the perfect nesting ground for these pests!
If you have rotting or wet wood, simply put on some diluted Pine-Sol and wait for them to find it! You can also mix Pine-Sol with a little dish soap to make it more attractive.
If you have unfinished wood, dilute some of the solution and apply on the plank ends before attaching them or place it in areas where they are unprotected (such as those that don’t connect to structures). When using Pine-Sol, remember that it can be dangerous if you have pets or children around. Be sure to store the diluted solution in a safe place (such as an airtight container) so that curious noses don’t get anywhere near the hazard!