If your deck is untreated you could be opening the door to a common pest — wood bees, also known as carpenter bees.
Wood bees are common to the area and bore holes in unpainted surfaces such as wood decks and untreated wood on houses. Wood bees have hairless, shiny blue-black abdomens and do not have pollen baskets on their hind legs, according to K-State Research and Extension.
Jack Koppa, owner of Rainbow Pest Control in Emporia, said it seems as if the wood bees have been worse this year.
“I’ve been dealing with a lot of them the last month or two,” Koppa said.
Koppa said wood bees make about a half-inch hole and go a couple of inches into the wood. They then go sideways and make a pit, lay eggs and leave.
“They do quite a bit of damage,” he said. “I’ve went under decks and found 30 to 40 holes, and some of them get interconnected. They’ll drill in there and lay six to eight eggs.”
According to K-State Research and Extension, the bees are solitary. The females can sting but will only do so if they are provoked. The males do not have stingers but tend to buzz around a person’s head.
The female wood bees have the strong jaws used to bore into wood.
“Although the damage may appear minimal, the tunnels in the wood may be six inches in length,” according to a fact sheet by K-State Research and Extension. “Damage attributable to the excavating activities of a single carpenter bee is slight. However, the cumulative efforts of several to many carpenter bees can be structurally damaging.”
Koppa said the bees are common everywhere — city and county. They tend to like old farmhouses, where the wood is soft.
“They’ll have a heyday with them,” Koppa said.
There are several ways to prevent wood bees and treat surfaces once they do bore holes. Prevention includes painting untreated wood. According to K-State Research and Extension wood stains don’t protect wood.
“Consider wood pressure-treated with a preservative for constructing outdoor projects,” the fact sheet stated. “Though such wood can be attacked, untreated wood is preferred.
Koppa said a variety of measures can be taken to rid the bees once they bore into holes. He said aerosol sprays can be used while they are active during the day, but insecticidal dusts can be used in the morning and evening hours when the bees aren’t as active.
The dust is puffed into the hole. K-State Research and Extension suggests that after carpenter bees have been in and out of the holes for several days, the holes can be filled with wood putty.
Insecticidal dusts that K-State Research and Extension suggests include carbaryl (Sevin) or a synthetic pyrethroid (permethrin or cyfluthrin). Sprays are only effective for one to two weeks.
madpoet (anonymous) says...
I've seen quite a few this year. We like to silicone them in their holes. :) Good information on how to try to get rid of them. Thanks!
June 27, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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June 27, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
My mom let me know that she has a nest of them at her house on Cottonwood. Be on the look out.
June 27, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madpoet (anonymous) says...
If a wasp stings you, wash it then put a paste of water and baking soda on it for about 15-20 minutes. Works wonderfully. I don't know about bees, never had one sting me. Should be similar.
June 29, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wildcatnurse (anonymous) says...
We prefer to hit them with tennis rackets them step on them. Tons of fun! But still have to fill the holes. Thank you for the article.
June 29, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
This article was about "Wood Bees". These are completely different than a wasp, hornet or a regular bee.
June 29, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madpoet (anonymous) says...
True, justaflushaway. I wanted to point out a very cheap home remedy for wasp stings before someone went out and bought a product. I've not had a wood bee sting me but I handle all insects with care. They do make impressive holes and will leave nasty yellow waxy spots on your car if you have the misfortune to park under one of their active tunnels.
I'll have to remember the tennis racket next time. Ha ha.
June 30, 2009 at 1:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )