How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees with WD40: The Ultimate Guide

If you have ever dealt with carpenter bees, then you know how frustrating they can be. These pesky critters can cause a lot of damage to your home, and are not easy to get rid of.

 

In this guide, we will teach you how to get rid of carpenter bees using WD40. We will also provide some helpful tips to prevent them from returning. So, if you’re ready to get rid of these bees once and for all, then keep reading.

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What is Carpenter Bee?

Carpenter bees get their name from their wood-boring habits. These bees tunnel into wood to lay their eggs, which can cause damage to your home. Carpenter bees resemble bumble bees, but they have a black rear end. Carpenter bees are also not social, unlike bumble bees.

 

They live alone, and only come together to mate. After mating, the female carpenter bee will find a suitable piece of wood to build her nest. She’ll use her mandibles to bore a hole into the wood, and create a series of chambers for her eggs.

 

Once the female carpenter bee has laid her eggs, she’ll die. The larvae will then hatch, and feed on the wood until they’re ready to pupate. After they pupate, they’ll emerge as adult bees and repeat the cycle.

What Damage Can Carpenter Bees Cause to Your Home?

Not that you know what carpenter bees are and what they do, you’re probably wondering what kind of damage they can cause. Here’s a quick rundown of the consequences of allowing them to go unchecked:

They can cause structural damage to your property

Carpenter bees are known for their ability to cause significant damage to wood structures. Their wood-boring habits can result in unsightly holes and tunnels in your home, or other wooden structures on your property.

They can lower the value of your home

The damage caused by carpenter bees can also lower the value of your home. If you’re thinking of selling your home, or even if you just want to keep it in good condition, it’s important to be aware of the potential damage these pests can cause.

They can create a safety hazard

In addition to the cosmetic damage they cause, carpenter bees can also create a safety hazard. Their tunnels can weaken the structural integrity of your home, making it more susceptible to collapse.

Water damage can be caused by their tunnels

Carpenter bees also create tunnels that can allow water to enter your home. This can lead to serious water damage, particularly if the tunnel is located near a plumbing line. The carpenter bee hole itself can also act as an entry point for water.

They can attract destructive woodpeckers to your home

The bee holes and tunnels made by carpenter bees also attract woodpeckers. These birds can cause further damage to your home as they try to access the tunnels.

They can cause staining from their feces

Stains from carpenter bee feces can be difficult to remove from wood and other surfaces. In addition, the stains may be permanent.

As you can see, carpenter bees can cause a lot of problems for homeowners. If you suspect you have a carpenter bee problem, it’s important to take action immediately.

What is WD40?

Now that you know the dangers of carpenter bees, you’re probably wondering what WD40 is and how it can help get rid of them. WD40 is a multi-purpose lubricant that has many uses, including getting rid of carpenter bees. This product contains toxic ingredients for bees, making it an effective way to kill them.

 

In addition to being toxic to bees, WD40 is also flammable. This means that you need to be careful when using it near open flames or heat sources. You should also avoid spraying it directly on electrical components.

Step By Step Guide On How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Bees With WD40

Eliminating carpenter bees can be a difficult task, but it is possible. WD40 can be your best friend when getting rid of these pesky creatures. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of carpenter bees with WD40:

What you need:

  • A can of WD40
  • Cotton balls
  • A bee brush or similar object
  • Protective gear (gloves, long sleeves, etc.)

Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials, follow these steps:

Step 1:
Put on your protective gear

The first thing you need to do is make sure you are protected from any potential stings. Carpenter bees rarely sting humans, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

 

Step 2:
Locate the nest

Carpenter bees typically build their nests in wood that is soft, such as cedar or redwood. The female bees will drill a small hole into the wood, and then turn to create a tunnel. These tunnels can be up to 12 inches long and house several bees.




Step 3:
Spray the nest with WD40

Once you have located the nest, it’s time to break out the WD40. Aim the spray directly into the hole of the nest and give it a good shot. The WD40 effectively kills carpenter bees, and helps prevent future nests from being built. Deterring carpenter bees can be difficult, but WD40 is definitely your best bet.

Step 4:
Remove the nest

After you kill carpenter bees with WD40, you’ll need to remove the nest. This can be done by taking a bee brush or similar object, and gently pushing it into the hole of the nest. The beeswax should come out easily, but if it’s tough, you may need to use a little more WD40.

Step 5:
Plug up the hole

Once the nest is removed, it’s important to plug up the hole. This will help prevent other insects from moving in, and will also keep carpenter bees from returning. All you need to do is stuff a cotton ball into the hole, and that should do the trick.

 

That’s it. By following these simple steps, you can get rid of carpenter bees for good. WD40 is definitely your best friend when it comes to getting rid of these pesky creatures. So, next time you see a carpenter bee, don’t panic – just grab the WD40 and get to work.

How to Prevent Carpenter Bees from Returning?

After you get rid of carpenter bees, you’re probably wondering how to prevent them from returning. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to deter these pests:

Seal up any cracks or holes in your home

Carpenter bee activity is often the result of these insects finding their way into your home through tiny cracks and crevices. By sealing up any openings, you’ll make it much harder for them to get inside. You can use wood putty or caulking to fill in any gaps.

Keep your yard clean

Carpenter bees are attracted to wood that is weathered or has peeling paint. If you have any wooden structures on your property, make sure to inspect them regularly for signs of damage. Also, keep your lawn trimmed and free of debris so that these insects don’t have anywhere to hide.

Consider using bee traps

These devices are designed to capture carpenter bees without harming them. You can place the trap near areas where you’ve seen bee activity in the past, and check it regularly to see if any insects have been caught.

Remove their food source

Removing their food source is the best way to prevent carpenter bees from coming back. If you have a lot of trees or bushes around your home, trim them back. This will remove the places where carpenter bees like to build their nests.

Untreated wood is the perfect breeding ground for carpenter bees. If you have untreated wood on your property, make sure to treat it with WD40 or a similar product. This will help keep carpenter bees away, and prevent them from damaging your property. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WD40 should take around 30 minutes to dry. However, if you’re using it in a particularly large or difficult-to-reach area, you may need to wait a bit longer. After the WD40 has had time to dry, you can then proceed with your chosen method of carpenter bee removal.

 

 

The WD in WD40 stands for water displacement, and the 40 is the number of times the company claimed their product could displace water. The can’s label says it was “designed to protect the metal from rust and corrosion,” but that’s not all WD-40 can do. This versatile spray has a host of other uses, including getting rid of carpenter bees.

WD40 is made up of a lot of chemicals, including petroleum distillates and propane. When these chemicals mix with gasoline, they can actually damage your engine. It can cause corrosion, and wear down your engine parts.

Getting rid of carpenter bees can be a tough task, but with WD40, it can be done relatively easily. Simply spray the product onto the bees, and they will eventually die. Be sure to keep an eye on the hive, as some may still be alive and active. If you see any, simply respray them until they are all gone. With a little patience, your carpenter bee problem will be solved in no time.