How to repair carpenter bee damage?

[Deere Dude]

i had a wood tailgate for a trailer 2x10x6 feet hat was attacked by those little buggers. For a project I had going I needed some saw dust. (5 Gallons or so). I decided to plane down that board into dust.

After taking a few passes 1/16" at a time I was amazed at the passages they left. Some were 8" long and looked like hollowed out caves.

 

[big bubba]

pretty amazing creatures they can do that. termite on steroids, but think far less problematic.
in the same way mud dobbers make their nests with clay in the same areas as carpenter bees (at least on my cabin porch) carpenter bee tunnels are well machined out, be interesting to see how they do that up close
in terms of structural damage, have had no problems here. i think it's rare in that way, only cosmetic? i've seen their nests in red oak cutting & splitting firewood in the Ozarks. part of the natural cycle

 

[Torvy]

I see woodpeckers as a warning that a tree may be in danger.

I see woodpeckers as a sign of impending hyjinks on Saturday mornings.

 

[bdhsfz6]

btw the bees pack a powerful sting

I don't know if this is true for all species of carpenter bees but around here, just the females have stingers. Their main defense is, they resemble bumble bees.

 

[s219]

I don't know if this is true for all species of carpenter bees but around here, just the females have stingers. Their main defense is, they resemble bumble bees.

Same with the ones here in Virginia, only the girls have stingers. The boys are very aggressive and put on a good show, but they can't hurt you.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

I has 4 structures the bees LOVE. A screen porch, my sons tree house, an old shed and my NEW garage. I vowed this year I would fight back and I did. The main goal should be prevention. I don't like to use chemicals whenever possible, but drastic times call for drastic measure. I ordered a Carpenter Bee Prevention Kit. It comes with a residual spray, Delta Dust and a dust puffer. I started by spraying the residual spray called Cyzmic CS, it is supposed to keep with from eating into the wood. I then dusted the holes and LEFT THEM OPEN. That allows new bees to become exposed to the wood and die. It worked very well. I did not notice any new holes in these structures. It is now time to go back and fill these holes. I have had good luck with const. adhesive for filling. Here is a link to some great info on how to get these things under control.

How to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees - DIY Pest Control

Get Rid of Carpenter Bees and Carpenter Bee nests with recommended professional pest control products for residential and commercial control and prevention of carpenter bees

www.doyourownpestcontrol.com

Good Luck Gentlemen!