Best Simple Carpenter Bee Trap

An easy to make and highly effective trap for the carpenter bee using common hand tools and scrap lumber. Average construction time is 5 minutes per trap. Reposted since I inadvertently deleted the previous one.
#carpenterbeetrap

[@williamthomson7624]

We’re about the same age, the last generation of true “horse sense”, and my friend, you’ve got plenty! Thanks a million for this video. I’m in my way out to the shop now!

[@randymiller9219]

It took me probably 30 minutes to make 3 of these traps. Within an hour I had already got one. Thank you so much for making this video. I tried WD40 that I saw on another video but all that did was drive them out of the nest. I had 25 or more of thes things flying around the barn the morning after using WD40

[@stupiddummy8087]

I have that exact same craftsman table saw. Runs super smooth.

[@MarshRat]

oldie but goldie

[@snowdragon8473]

Made these traps with 4" scraps of 2x4. They work. It took a few days for the first bee to go in. Thanks for the video!

[@GasNBullets]

went to home depot and picked up some new bosch speed demon paddle bits. took a 2x4 I had laying around, cut 3 chunks off, drilled them, went to the recycle bin and grabbed 1 water bottle and 2 20oz soda bottles, installed the bottles, found wood screws, headed out to install them now. thank you!!! love easy fast soloutions

[@usaf6387]

Best way I found to keep carpenter bees away from my log home was give them an easy place to nest. I bought a 6-in. x 8-in x 10 ft. pine beam from a sawmill and suspended it between two trees away from my home. The bees went right to it and with minimal determent treatment to my log home I have managed to keep them away. I had to add another beam after two years, pileated woodpeckers about destroyed the beam seeking the bee Larvae.

[@TomCook-jw6ur]

Smart idea.

[@LadderMover]

I have carpenter bees destroying any exposed wood on my buildings, they should be renamed demolition bees. I will definitely give this a try. Thanks for taking the time to make a great video and sharing it with us!

[@MarshRat]

Hope the traps help

[@diarmuidcdc]

Florida here , I have lots of nests in my fence posts, and doing research I came across this video, and I made about 7 of these and within maybe 2 hrs 1 bee was in my trap , awesome video, easy instructions and it works, I saw some other videos where they put water and dish liquid in the bottle to drown them , I have 3 with liquid and 4 without, one without caught the first one.

[@Dirtdiggglers]

Best bee trap around. I had to come back and see what size bits he used. Awesome job sir. Only thing i did different was i took a little off the corners for the 1/2 hole goes to make it easier to drill.

[@MarshRat]

Thanks 👍

[@monteconrad3372]

These traps work and are indeed simple to make. I made 5 of them in no time at all and have caught around 100 bees.

[@sandraboatright3342]

Thank you for the help to rid us of carpenter bees. It worked over about 3 weeks we caught them. Now we can seat on the patio or be outside without them buzzing and getting in our face.

[@Boobtube.]

don't worry, more will be back... you will never catch them all.

[@peterstevens8129]

Works great! Took care of my carpenter bee problem in Georgia over the weekend. Thanks for posting!! I named mine The Hotel California (yuck, yuck). Although, I did have some fun working on my tennis forehand - those little suckers can sure move when you put a little snap in your wrist on contact.

[@DougBillian]

I make mine a bit differently (metro Atlanta GA) but I learned a few things and will definitely try some of your ideas. Good stuff and great advice. Thanks!

[@MarshRat]

Glad to help!

[@Kymaureen1]

These work! I made one, love the simple design (I am a 65 y.o. Grandma). First year only got a few. Left them in there and this year I already have several more trapped. Going to make more to cover more territory. Was going to add a photo, but can't figure out how to do it.

[@kluless8499]

Wanted to share something I found. Got rid of mine in about 5 minutes for about 3 bucks. They were boring into the white fascia on my utility building. I bought some white duct tape that matches the color of the wood, and just covered the holes. I made a criss-cross X shape over each hole with two pieces of tape. Next day they returned but couldn't find the holes. They left and haven't returned at all. This winter, I will plug the holes properly but this quick fix worked great for now.

[@johnnyboync1]

where I live in the mountains of nc we have big problems with the bees. my carport was being eaten but worse, my neighbors two out building were really being weakened by them. the way I've been making traps is very labor intensive compared to yours. I was building boxes. I like your idea much more and will make a few to see just how well they work. I was selling mine at a flea market and they were selling well it's just I don't think I was making out because of the time it took for each box. your design is simple and, from the looks of things, quite effective. thanks marsh rat!

[@MarshRat]

The simple traps have worked well for me. Hope you get the same results.

[@tyrssen1]

Thanks Marsh! I've been fighting with these bastards for years!

[@RealToolReviews]

Great job! Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[@MarshRat]

You are very welcome.

[@1planenut62]

In Sharpsburg, GA, I enjoy my time with the carpenter bees and my special badminton racquet. It's fun to knock them down, then step on them, but I think I'll make a couple of these next year. Sometimes I just can't get them all.

[@dave434]

Thanks! I'll be in the Shop tomorrow and made me few of these. I'm in SW Va. I have found spraying some WD40 in the holes seem to stop them also....

[@SuperMacDaddy66]

Thanks for this video. I am going to build some of these traps tomorrow and see how they preform.

[@ericsteel173]

When I was kid I was in our garage and there was a carpenter bee flying around. I watched him fly up into an empty light socket on the ceiling. I got a crazy idea and flipped on the switch. A second later, POP! Dead carpenter bee falls to the floor.

[@daxmojones9025]

I've had the occcasional June Bug come inside at night during the summer. Best way to deal with them is turn the ceiling fan on high and turn the upward (ceiling) facing light on. Just takes a minute of two for the bug to hit the fan and die.

[@belindabatdorf1137]

Hubby just made 6 of these ...2 for each deck Thanks for the help we are going bonkers between moles and bees

[@MarshRat]

You are so welcome!

[@steveashworth6707]

I'm in southeastern ohio and the carpenter bees are bad!, I will make some of these traps this morning!, that's a great video!, thankyou!.

[@MarshRat]

Good luck!

[@steveashworth6707]

@@MarshRat I made 4 of these this morning and 3 out of the 4 already have 1 carpenter bee in each!, thanks so much for the video!.

[@astrorad2000]

Good video and your voice sounds like one of my favorite singer/songwriters, John Prine

[@airbreather8928]

Hello and thank you for a very simple and elegant design...heck, I think I may even be able to make one! You instruction is simple, easy to follow, and listening to you made me feel like I was learning from an old friend. Great instruction. Thank you.

[@MarshRat]

You are so welcome!

[@mikerca]

You sound just like the actor George Lindsey who played Goober Pile on The Andy Griffith Show ! Looks like a great design. I will try it.

[@slipperyjk]

I built four of these and they work great! Thanks from the shores of lake Huron!

[@paulw7770]

Nice simple design, I was using 4 x 4 s. They are pricey. Your design is more efficient and the punch idea is terrific- thanks!

[@MarshRat]

You're very welcome!

[@scottstallings7761]

Love the simple design and the cost is even better. Hats of from your neighbor (ky)

[@MarshRat]

Thanks for the support. I am originally from Laurel County KY...

[@neshobanakni]

I knew you didn't talk like Ohio. My mom's from KY.

[@RANGERVETBRET]

ive had carpenter bee's invate my shop 4 years and now ive got a way 2 combat them thanks 2 u .thanks 4 the easy 2 make trap

[@scrubbwhite291]

From Syracuse N.Y. Thanks for the idea - very economical and a practical application of biology and physics. I'll let you know how it works for me.

[@MarshRat]

Sounds great!

[@JenkinsB]

Damnit, so easy and cheap. Well done sir!

[@JimFisherDIYPortableSolarPower]

Live in western NY but I have many good friends from Ohio, all good people and I count you amongst them!! Thanks for sharing this simple trap design. I'm going to make about 4 of these this week. Carpenter bees have been devouring my wooden privacy fence. THANKS!

[@MarshRat]

Glad to be of help. Hello to all the good people in NY

[@boots7859]

WNY guy here as well, and house we just bought last year was ate up by these things. So, now while having to replace some of the cedar trim, I'm gonna make up a half dozen of these this weekend as well. Saw another video where someone used a 4x4 which might give more entrances, however the spare 2x4 pieces I've got should do the trick just as well. Tip- I'm gonna put an ounce of water and couple drops of termidor or similar in mine just to speed up the killing.

[@allengarrison4214]

Just moved into a need cider sided house, these carpenter bee give a new meaning to being eat out of house and home. Loved you simple design, big fan of of the KISS method of building. They say when you dump the bees out of the tramp leave one or two dead bee in the bottle, it attracts the female bee?

[@MarshRat]

They say "simple minds have simple solutions". LOL.

[@williamyorkolepossum]

Good information! I have found that treated wood does not work. New Fur is best. Love your prototype. Fast & easy...

[@MarshRat]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@knowinghistruth7227]

I love this guy, and his trap work excellent!!! I have had them up since spring, and they are still trapping these bees, even after I stopped seeing them search for holes or places to make them.

[@swordfish1949]

Moved from Arkansas to North Carolina. Oh...look at all the nice bees doing pollination. No!! carpenter bees tearing up the deck! Many thank for the help. Got 10 in the jars as of today.

[@MarshRat]

I feel your pain. I've nothing good to say about these pests. Kill 'em all. Cheers

[@goatman8692]

Just built three of these today and within 5 hours trapped 7 bees. Thank you sir!

[@MarshRat]

Fantastic!

[@donnamarie4443]

Wow! A lot simpler than other ones l have watched. Thanks for the smart and simple idea👍👍👍.

[@MarshRat]

Glad you liked it

[@ajhollingshead9916]

I built this today, works like a charm! Thank you!!

[@MarshRat]

Glad you found this vid of value. Thanks

[@Dusty3900]

ANY MAN WEARING "LIBERTY" OVERALL'S GOTTA BE RIGHT

[@jackwatkins7382]

You ain't shittin! That's all I wear, you don't ever see any DC's around no more?

[@K31swiss]

I quit wearing Libertys when I saw made in China on the last pair I bought. Now I wear Pointers. Better made, more comfortable, last a lot longer and made in Tennessee. China can kiss my ass.

[@georgehaber8793]

Helpful and encouraging video! I like the way you emphasize that you need to wait a day or two before seeing results. I'm from New York--very impatien!. I installed 2 traps on my cedar siding exterior late this morning, was disappointed when I didn't see any bees in the trap by mid-afternoon. I guess I'll have to wait a couple of days to see results.

[@MarshRat]

Thanks for watching. Patience is key and so is having the traps in the correct location. Good luck.

[@sherrilaird6535]

Thank you for this video. You made it a simple job. Im making mine just like yours

[@brianmcquinn9658]

im from springfield ohio and i have a bunch of carpenter bees around my porch deck. they have drilled into the wood hand railing. im gonna make one of these traps this week hope it works.. thanks for posting this vid

[@MarshRat]

Give one a whirl. I also enjoy using Dawn dish washing detergent mixed with water in a sprayer for fun.

[@cliffgoble9665]

Do you spray the bees, or in the holes, or the wood? Does it make them angry or knock them down so you can step on them? Thanks for sharing. Will give this a try up here in NW Ohio they are a big problem now.

[@congamike1]

Lowes has traps for $20. I like this idea better! Thanks you Sir.

[@G56AG]

Its not just Ohio, here in Oklahoma we have the same problem. One thing about yours is the simplicity, I love that!

[@posner89]

Thanks for the great video. thumbs up from here in the UK.

[@pinoysiaki]

very simple and it works... Thanks for the video.

[@MarshRat]

Glad it helped

[@ytSuns26]

You nailed it, really the most efficient method of all. Everyone has what they need to build that. Thanks!

[@recoveringbaptist2749]

This sounds easier than my Badminton racket, think I will make a few and see how it works.

[@williamthompson2976]

I have 2 badminton rackets hanging in the door way of my barn. I have been practicing my backhand for years

[@mortalstorm]

@@williamthompson2976 Any improvement?

[@johnnydobbs1399]

man thank you so much . you made the video very informative and with easy and quick instructions .I'm from Marietta GA and we have these dang bees everywhere I faint wait to get my new traps up

[@TheFlashgordon49]

Best carpenter bee trap design i have seen ... Great idea and so simple ... Thanks Marsh Rat ... Great Video

[@truthgha]

Love it! I have had problems for years. I think I can even do this. Thanks. They seems to love my old chimney too, old mortar.... Have a hundred year plus house.

[@markoldendorf5393]

Last spring, I thought they were regular bumble bees, until I saw the holes in my deck. Grr. Made a trap and got the 2 bees that were doing all the work. Plugged up the holes and painted the deck. The next spring, they returned to the same spot, gave the deck a look over,but did not start boring. They do not like paint. I am going to hang a few traps around the property.

[@kerrycomstock9220]

Thanks so much for the info on making a carpenter bee trap...i live in southern Alabama and they are everywhere boring holes, even in a cedar rocking chair I made last year that I like and don't want bees drilling it to pieces...LOL! Cheers to you, too, from LA (lower Alabama :)

[@MarshRat]

I spent many a happy day in Alabama bass fishing. The people in your state were great too.

[@jackwatkins7382]

Don't you mean you live in LA? Lower Alabama?

[@lapboard340]

Thank you kindly Sir for posting this video. I appreciate it!

[@MarshRat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

That is a neat design. Will try that one out if I need it. Or maybe make them for my neighbors so the bees go over there

[@MarshRat]

+Nature Calls LOL. I wish I could send all of my bees over to the neighbors.

[@litmissy6]

Awesome! I am being invaded in SC and this is so easy to duplicate! The last suggestion I had was painting the exposed wood in my pole barn with used oil (took all summer and a Giant waste of time!) I just made 4 of these and will let you know in a few days.... fingers crossed

[@MarshRat]

Good luck in SC. I'm hoping bee season doesn't come early here in Ohio

[@carollewis1689]

Love the video and REALLY love the way you say Pencil! ;-)

[@teemmm538]

I cant believe people gave a thumbs down cause this video is AWESOME!!!!!!!!! you just got yourself a new subscriber right here🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@rereficoli4983]

I have built a few traps similar to your simple one, but the prototype I followed from a friend used a 5/8" hole for both holes, with a mayonnaise jar below, and the entrance hole was just drilled horizontally into the end grain, not angled upward. It still seems to work, but now I wonder if it would be more effective with the upward-angled hole. Next trap! Thanks!

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

Pretty dang neat MR great share sure beats getting bug spraying back all on you lol!

[@binaryflat]

Great video... Thank you! Going to build one now if I can find some scrap lumber in my shop.

[@johnschuster9192]

This type of bees are very destructive.My wooden handled wheelbarrow was just one item they chewed.Hard to use with one handle.This was over 2.5 months leaned up against my shed.The other was my air handler base made from treated wood.Treated for what,bee hotels? Great video! You seem like a real nice grandpa..

[@williamthompson2976]

Thanks. I'll have to try that.

[@dperk17067]

Thank you for the info. Been having a lot of problems with these in Pa.

[@tonybrannen1740]

Great video, we have a need for this in South Georgia as well

[@Titan52berg]

Very informative video! I have a carpenter bee problem where I live as well, and this valuable construction video helps a lot! Thanks for a great video!

[@MarshRat]

The Simple Trap works great...Hope you enjoy

[@Titan52berg]

I just completed making one of these traps, inspired by your idea in this video! When I get it hung, I'll have to post a video of mine with the 'lodgers' I expect to see soon!

[@juglansnigra7948]

thanks, made four of them in about half hour with no investment, hung them on my deck rails, thought I had 4 to6 , caught 17 in two weeks and haven't. seen one since, afraid I will miss them as pollinators

[@cheyneturbyfill4727]

Great idea using water bottles, you can just recycle a new one and throw the old suckers away

[@ravioli9728]

Eazy peazy japanesey I am making me one Thanks for the video!

[@beebob1279]

Great way to save the building. Been thinking how to do something similar on my bottom board of my beehives for catching small hive beetles. I think you helped me solve that one small glitch in my design

[@3240590]

They're causing problems here in Carrollton, Georgia too! Thanks for the clever idea!

[@MarshRat]

The traps will catch several but I don't think the traps are the final solution. BTW, I love Georgia.

[@roylindsey7030]

Hi Marsh Rat, just saw your video and your traps are great. I think they will work good. I know some people get bent out of shape for killing bees but these things are destructive. I use Cyper WP www.domyownpestcontrol.com/cyper-wp-p-228.html It seems to really knock them back and keep them from drilling. It will killl the ones that eat the poison but if they sense it they will not land on the exposed wood and just go somewhere else. Which is what I want. Thought I would share :)

[@scotwheeler3690]

Good info in this video. From one Buckeye to another, thanks!

[@randymeredith]

Thanks! This was really helpful

[@MarshRat]

Glad it helped!

[@ethanfrench7458]

Thanks for that amazing video Marsh Rat! I've only had them up for a couple days and works like a charm!! Keep the info coming. We're from Amherstburg Ontario!

[@MarshRat]

Glad you found some value on my channel. Thanks for stopping by and cheers from Ohio

[@paininvirginia]

Thank you brother I made three those things and they work great

[@MarshRat]

Great to hear!

[@paulw7770]

Very nice clear, no bs explanation- thanks!

[@MarshRat]

Glad it helped!

[@claytonrealist8868]

Excellent video thank you.

[@MarshRat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@blainehouser4354]

Can’t wait to try this! Thank You!

[@MarshRat]

You are so welcome!

[@bigbunn833]

Thank u so much for posting this! I’m gonna make a couple tomorrow. My buddy is having a horrible time with these bees.

[@wordsmithgobshite3296]

The trouble with carpenter bees is that they always have little saws and drills and can break out of most traps.

[@julieschultz5287]

put a grey sack like from orschelns and fill with news paper. tie it up on some thing. the carpenter bees think its wasps and they wont come around.

[@paulfrombrooklyn5409]

Maybe put a signup that says, "Union 43 of the Carpenter Bees is ON STRIKE." They will see that sign and go somewhere else.

[@biscuit1977]

I stuff a moth ball in the holes, seems to solve our problem.

[@LoneWolf-yp2mo]

WOW !! Never heard of that. Gonna give 'er a try !! Those pesky little suckers can do some DAMAGE. I make and sell traps and I have some that work pretty well that are very similar to these but ... always tryin' to make a better BEE TRAP !!! LOL !!

[@kenhurley4441]

@@biscuit1977 How do you neuter a male moth?

[@AtlantaTerry]

Where are you in Ohio? I grew up in Lorain, my sister & her husband live in Elyria. I have lived in Atlanta since 1976. Thank you for taking the time to create this video.

[@0721busman]

Hey I gotta try one like that, made others but this looks a lot simpler, enjoyed it Thanks !!

[@beavis4play]

i live in ohio too - the bee traps i've made are slightly different but work really well. what part of ohio are you from? you've got many more bees there than i've ever had here.

[@KennethColeStatenIsland]

Marsh Rat, you're the best, easiest and cheapest. Thank you. I'll let you know how I do.

[@forkshootertb96]

Great job! Simple but effective.

[@carolchristman2139]

Thank just made three there in NC too

[@MarshRat]

I would say good luck but the traps really do work.

[@s.t.entertainmentreviews7506]

Thanks buddy! Nice guy! Nice trap! Going to get started on a few this week!

[@MarshRat]

These have worked great for me. A good location for the traps is key.

[@davesmith2907]

I've made this trap and It does work. Very easy to make....

[@426superbee4]

Only way i got rid of them is fill the holes with THICK water putty, at NIGHT to dry, and paint over it ! if you do it during the day the water putty is to soft and they will dig it out ! A MUST TO FILL THE HOLES AT NIGHT! MAKE THE PUTTY THICK ! > the bottle box trap works too < but my way is a sure way to get rid of em! There GONE !

[@mwjii]

thanks so much! I built two and its trapping those pesky bees

[@MarshRat]

way to go. wifey thinks I mad but i'm just insane. Glad this vid helped.

[@davidhodgden1435]

Very informative video. I have a cedar screened porch & the carpenter bees r a real pest. I’m going to make 2 for my porch👍

[@KAPYOTI]

Nice Work. Thanks for the show.

[@MarshRat]

You are so very welcome.

[@oddshot60]

Just wanted to say Hey from NoGA. Good job on the vid.

[@MarshRat]

Hello back to ya. Best regards

[@MarshRat]

I can't believe this vid has been so popular

[@richardplato4119]

Thanks from Wisconsin

[@MarshRat]

Welcome!

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Great demonstration! Could you tell me, are carpenter 🐝 bees prevalent all across the country? You live in Ohio. Another guy, Alexander à Dyer, demonstrates making his trap and he lives in Missouri. Are these bees restricted to the mid-West? Or to any other parts of the country. I live on Eastern Long Island, NY and we have bees that make football shaped and sized hives around a shrub branch. We also have lots of bees that make hives in the ground, maybe due to our sandy soil, and you usually don’t notice them until you step on the hive entrance. Would you know how to catch these types of bees, when necessary, like around a pool or play area? Thank you very much for the helpful demonstration. With climate change affecting ecosystems of plants and animals, I will be on the look out for carpenter bees, which I’ve never seen. Your help is appreciated. Have a good day, sir. 🐝🐝🙏

[@MarshRat]

I'm not sure about locations of carpenter bees but I've encountered them in KY and OH. The one you mentioned that make hives in shrubs sounds like hornets. Cheers and thanks for visiting my channel

[@jb121993]

Thanks for the idea! I live in south TX and we've damn wasps. I'll give this idea a shot, bcuz I'm tired of paying for wasp spray.

[@act.13.41]

Stir a little Dawn in a big plastic soda cup of water than toss it on the nest and they hit the ground dead. The soap makes the water wetter and instantly drowns them. Much cheaper than the expensive sprays. It is not flammable. It won't kill your shrubs. It won't stain. It won't kill you. You can also put the soapy water in a pump sprayer to reach out and get the ones higher up. Don't forget to knock down the nest and crush the larva inside, so they don't hatch. :-)