How do you set traps for carpenter bees?

Typical carpenter bee traps are made of smooth, untreated wood with a clear collection module at the bottom. While you can vacuum, spray or use other insecticides to remove carpenter bees from your home, trapping is the most efficient and eco-friendly removal method. Buy a trap, or construct one of untreated boards, a 20-ounce soda bottle and nails.

1. Assemble the box

   Cut the untreated board into four 8-inch lengths, two 7-inch lengths and one 6-inch length. Nail the 8-inch pieces into a box. Lay the 7-inch pieces side-by-side, and attach them to the top as the roof.

2. Drill the holes

   Measure 1 1/2 inches from the top. Drill 1/2-inch holes into three sides of the box. Angle the holes 45 degrees so sun doesn't shine inside. Drill a 1/2-inch hole into the top of the soda bottle. Drill a hole wide enough to fit the bottle cap into the 6-inch board.

3. Complete the trap

   Slide the bottle cap into the hole in the 6-inch board, securing with wood glue if necessary. Attach this board to the bottom of the box. Screw the bottle back into its cap.

4. Identify the best location for the trap

   Carpenter bees are attracted to untreated or rotting wood.

5. Hang the trap

   Use a hook to hang the trap in the target location. The bees should fly into the drilled holes, become disoriented by the light and shadows inside, and land inside the bottle.

6. Maintain the trap

   Watch the trap, and remove the soda bottle when it is partially filled with dead bees. Make sure that all bees are dead before removing and discarding the bottle. Add a new bottle to catch more bees.