Photo Album: Carpenter Bees in Wooden Stairs in Belmar, NJ
Tiny Holes on the Back of the Stairs
Our inspector had noticed that the bees were boring holes in the underside of the wooden steps to create galleries in which to lay their eggs. It's the female bee that bores a hole into the wood, then angles off to create chambers to lay her eggs. The male bee is outside protecting the female from any threats.
Multiple Active Galleries
When I arrived on-site, I performed an inspection on the upright supports, railings, and steps for the carpenter bee galleries present. I discovered about 15 to 20 holes bored into the wood of the staircase steps and supports.
Lots of Frass
On one step I found a pile of "frass"(the waste product of the boring bee).
For Treatment
I decided the best choice of treatment was to apply residual dust directly into the galleries. This residual dust will not only eliminate the adult bees but will also take care of the larvae when they mature.