CarpenterBeeKiller.com :: Frequently Asked Questions

Three CarpenterBeeKiller standard traps - $45.00

Three CarpenterBeeKiller aged look traps - $55.00
New select aged wood!

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Why does the bee trap work?

Carpenter bees will enter a hole to determine if the hole is suitable for use. The same way they may start a hole one season, and come back it it the next season. Carpenter bees will o sometimes return to the same hole area repeatedly to reproduce. When the bee enterers the trap, they encounter no wood to turn in a ninety degree turn and get confused, moving towards the light in the bottle, and are trapped.

How can the trap be mounted?

Hang the trap by the predrilled holes in the desired location or hang from the eye hook. The carpenter bee trap has a flat top and one flat side so it may be screwed to wood directly over the existing carpenter bee holes.

Which mounting may work best, using the eye hook or nailed?

CarpenterBeeKiller has test traps located on structures in Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri. Research has shown that the CarpenterBeeKiller traps nailed onto the structure traps approximately 30% more Carpenter Bees.

While both advised methods work well, those placed on the eye hook may swing and deter bees. It may be that a trap which does not move, simulates the natural nesting location better than a trap which may move in the breeze.

Where should the bee trap be mounted?

Mount the bee trap in area of bee activity. Cover existing bee holes when it is possible. Mount in the corners or eaves. Bees can attach all sides of a building, but the east and south east have a higher incident of bee holes and damage.

Are any modifications needed to the trap?

After extended bottle removal and attachment, you may need to bend the wires, or put on another bottle.

What does the entrance hole look like?

The carpenter bee makes an entrance which is a clean cut 1/2 - 1 inch deep and approximately 1/2 inch wide.

Does the hole go straight into the wood?

No. After going in 1 inch deep, the female turns at right angles and burrows with the grain of the wood as for as much as 6 to 8 inches in either direction. Cells are in a linear series of 6 to 9 cells. Each cell contains a food mass for the hatching larva.

What type of wood is used for the trap?

Soft woods are used for construction. Pine, maple, cedar and other soft woods are often targeted by the bees.

Should the trap be painted?

No, do not paint, stain or waterproof the trap in any way. The untreated wood is more attractive the bees than treated wood. Carpenter Bees will not enter the trap if chemicals are present or the bottle is wet.

Where should the trap be located?

For roof locations, place the trap in the corners of the roof, and the peaks. For decks, place the trap under the deck in the corners where two support joist meet. Notice the locations of existing bee damage and use this as a guide for placement in like areas. Place traps in the same area as existing bee damage, even coving existing damage.

Can any soda bottle be used?

Any plastic bottle can be used, but smaller bottles are better suited. Rinse the bottle out and let it dry completely. Remove any wrap off the bottle if possible. Remove the plastic ring from the bottle lip for better fit. Small holes to release moisture may help relieve condensation buildup.

How often should I remove the dead bees?

Do not remove the dead bees unless you really feel the need. The scent of the dead bees will often attract other bees to the trap.

How should I plug existing holes?

Plug the holes using calk which will blend into the color of the wood you are repairing. Run a wire into the hole before plugging to kill any larva in the hole, spray with insecticide or boric acid, then calk after approximately one day. Electric wire stripped of the insulation make a very good wire for this.

Is the 'aged' look wood damaged or worn?

No. The soft wood has been naturally aged, in a protected environment so the out surface of the wood takes on a darker appearance. The wood is not damaged or rotted. It looks great in the eaves of a cabin or house.

Can I mount the carpenter bee trap under my deck?

Yes. While most decks are made of pressure treated wood which prevents rotting and insect infestation, the treated wood can still be infested with carpenter bees. The carpenter bee will attempt to create a chamber in the decking on the side most often, not the bottom as sometimes found on eve fascia. Attach the carpenter bee trap close to or over the chamber holes AFTER plugging the hole area.

Can any size water bottle be used?

Yes. The smaller 'pony' size water bottles can be used, as well as the larger bottles. The common 12 oz bottle is most often used since this is what most folks will discard. We do prefer the small pony bottles. REMEBER to drill small 1/16 holes along the bottom and a few along the top of the bottle to allow condensation to evaporate.

My trap looks a little different than the image.

The regular and naturally aged carpenter bee traps may look slightly different from the images shown here. This is because each piece of lumber selected for use may have a different grain pattern or in the case of the naturally aged model, the aging process may alter the look and or color slightly. This is to be expected and in no way alters the effectiveness of the carpenter bee trap.

Green organization?

CarpenterBeeKiller makes attempts to reduce waste and recycles. To help in this, we will reuse plastic and paper bags when shipping traps. Any scrap paper is recycled, and scrap wood is mulched.

For more information, CLICK HERE

Shipping time? Why have I not received my order?

CarpenterBeeKiller makes attempts to reduce our carbon footprint by have a regular scheduled delivery time for mailing orders.

Orders are group to meet this schedule. Depending on when your order is received and processed, the order may fall into different groups.

You may experience a short delay due to this practice. This is part of our effort to be a green organization - see other frequently asked question item.

Why not use just one trap, why multiples?

CarpenterBeeKiller recommends multiple traps since the traps themselves are the bait. The traps do not have bait in the conventional manner. The bees have to find the traps. So the more traps you would have, the better the chance the bees will find the trap hole.

This also impacts how soon the traps start to catch the bees.

The bees will be attracted to dead bees in the traps. So the more trapped, the more are trapped.

We are catching wasp but few carpenter bees?

The traps will attract and trap wasp and other small flying insects which utilize holes in wood. These may be random trappings since wasp will nest in cracks and such.

The CarpenterBeeKiller trap will also trap the carpenter bee due its design, but location is important.

Read the above information on placement.

How much shipping is charged?

CarpenterBeeKiller charges approximately 7 per trap shipping. This may vary depending on destination zip code.

CapenterBeeKiller makes every attempt to not overcharge on shipping. We believe this is an attempt to over inflate the cost of the carpenter bee trap.

Under deck mounting?

CarpenterBeeKiller traps can be mounted under a deck if bees are active in the location. Most carpenter bee activity will be in an area which does not get wet often. Place the trap over the holes after treating the holes, see other questions and answers on treatment.

If you place the trap under a deck where water may get onto the trap and water is entering the bottle, after drying or replacing the bottle drill small holes in the bottom of the bottle. The holes should be smaller than the carpenter bee so that it can not escape, but large enough for water to drip out easily.

How large are Carpenter bees?

Carpenter bees are between 3/4 and 1 inch long, which is a substantial size for an insect. As a point of comparison, that is about the distance from the end of your thumbnail to your first knuckle.

When are Carpenter bees most active?

Carpenter bees hibernate through the winter in their nests and generally emerge in early spring (late march to mid April, depending on the region's climate).

Are Carpenter bees honey bees?

Carpenter bees do not form colonies or hives like honey bees. Rather, the females build individual nests in which they lay eggs. Males do not live long enough to need nests.

View the CarpenterBeeKiller.com flier included with shipped traps.