In fact we sell most every dust. Our selection can be seen here:

Dusts:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/dust

And if you read through our CARPENTER BEE article, you’ll learn why we recommend the DRIONE and PYGANIC only. The reason is simple; these are the only products that can last long enough to provide complete control. You see, Delta Dust is a true insecticidal dust. And that means the active will wear out in a few months so there won’t be anything left to work on the bees after the Deltamethrin is gone. Now since the eggs and pupae won’t hatch for many months (sometimes a year or more) following the treatment, you need something in the nests that will last long enough to insure complete control.

Now it is true that both Drione and Pyganic have some insecticide in them (pyrethrin) but this is gone in a month or so too so why do we still recommend it? Well that’s because even after the pyrethrin is  gone, these dusts are made from a base which works an insect “dehydrator” and will therefore remain active for many years. Since the mode of action for this is mechanical and not insecticidal, the pyrethrin wearing off is immaterial.

This means that any eggs or pupae that might hatch a year or so following the initial application are sure to die. And what we find when Deltamethrin Dust is used is that the bees will many times prevail and persist from year to year so it’s obvious this is not the best treatment option for the long term control of this pest. And if you’re going through all the work, why not apply the best product?

Lastly we know there are many companies suggesting Delta Dust and since it will work for a month or two, most users won’t even realize the dust they’re applying is the reason why they still have to treat from year to year where as if they had applied the Drione, the problem would be gone for good. So in summary, there is no reason to use the Delta Dust once you consider it’s shortcomings because in the end, getting rid of these bees for good is what you’re trying to accomplish and for that to happen, Drione is the clear choice.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Drione:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/dust/drione-dust

Pyganic Dust: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/dust/pyganic-dust-10-oz

Delta Dust: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/dust/deltamethrin-dust

Carpenter Bee Control: http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

Well, we can help. We offer professional grade pest control products so you can do your own pest control safely and effectively. And we’ll teach you…READ MORE





I just wanted to say thanks again for your website and information. I found it last year when combating carpenter bees on our kid’s playset. I did everything you suggested and put the NBS30 additive on the playset when I restained it. We have NO BEES this year and all the neighborhood kids have been back and playing on it like crazy!!!

I actually came back to find the link to more NBS30 as one of our neighbors asked what we used. =D

Thanks again for all your help!

C. DeZutter

Chicago, IL

NBS Repellent:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/exempt/additive/nbs-paint-additive-16-oz

Carpenter Bee Control: http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

If you review our CARPENTER BEE CONTROL article, you’ll learn that the DRIONE DUST listed needs to be applied directly to their nests and then the nests need to be corked. This means there will be no dust visible or out in the open. And without any dust out in the open, there is no danger or hazard to your honey bees or any other insect for that matter.

In our article you’ll also learn of a product called NBS PAINT ADDITIVE. This is an organic product that can be added to paint or stain and in doing so, provides a “natural repellent odor” that insects hate. Had you added to this to your paint prior to applying it you would have been able to enjoy a good year or two of repellent action without having to spray anything. I strongly suggest you include NBS next time you paint any exposed wood on the outside of your home as this will help to stop anything that would want to target or nest on the painted surface.

Lastly, the NBS is also what I’d recommend you apply to any wood you want to protect now since it can be mixed with water and sprayed. Since it can’t “kill” anything, NBS won’t pose a hazard or threat to your bees either. Made from essential plant oil, NBS will do nothing more than minimize insects landing on surfaces where it gets applied.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Drione:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/dust/drione-dust

NBS Repellent:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/exempt/additive/nbs-paint-additive-16-oz

Carpenter Bee Control: http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

Generally speaking no. If you read our CARPENTER BEE CONTROL ARTICLE, you’ll learn they mostly target overhangs, wood fences, decks, gazebos and any kind of wood that is above ground with a protected underside. Nesting in the ground would go directly against this common trait though I have seen it happen.

In the few times where I’ve seen it happen, they targeted a stump that was quite large and distorted. It had knobs sticking out under which the bees were able to nest so even though they were at ground level, they were still “in wood” and very much protected when compared to a typical ground nest that’s lying under pine straw or wood mulch. That being said, they didn’t seem to mind when it rained so I guess they were safe enough to survive the environment which many times is a problem when nests are in the ground.

Now if you’re seeing what appears to be carpenter bees and the activity is in the ground, I’m thinking what you’re looking at is most likely a BUMBLEBEE. Read up on them if you’re trying to figure out what species of bee you’re seeing.

Carpenter Bee Control: http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

Bumblebee Control:  http://www.bugspray.com/articles99/bumblebees.html

It also appears we have some carpenter ants. It doesn’t look as if it’s a huge problem as only a small amount of ants have been found in the house. They are usually curled up and dead or dying so we do not know if anything was sprayed by the previous owner. No wood shavings have been detected anywhere. Would it be best to call someone like Terminex to check the house and outside for carpenter ants?

Regarding the carpenter bees; no doubt treating every hole you find with DRIONE and sealing the holes with a CORK would be best. Next, using some NBS additive to any paint or stain you apply would be smart. Once these treatments are done, you can monitor the situation and see if anything further is needed but this should do the job.

As for the CARPENTER ANTS you’re seeing; I would say to start small before paying $500-$1000 for a service (sometimes even more!). Based on what you’re finding, it’s quite possible there is a nest somewhere on the property. But with our technical support and product line, I’m sure you can solve any problem and would suggest hiring a service only after you’ve tried some treatments and failed.

For now I recommend doing a good inspection to see if you can find any place where they’re active outside. This would be key if they’re just foraging into the home; as you’ll learn in our article about this ant they will commonly travel over 100 yards to find food so finding them inside does not mean there is a nest close by. And since outside nests are easy to deal with using some of the Drione you’ll be using for the Carpenter Bees, the treatment may turn out to be very simple. So for now, I suggest you read our article and do some inspecting to see if you can locate a nest either on or outside the home.

But if it turns out you only see one or two carpenter ants inside or outside the home, I would say to apply some TERMIDOR around the home outside and some PHANTOM inside. These will be detailed in our article and as you’ll learn, they’ll get the nest no matter where it might be and really is the best approach when the nest is hidden and unknown location wise.

Good luck!

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Drione:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/dust/drione-dust

Hand Duster: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/dusters/crusader

Corks:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/equipment-plugs/cork-12

NBS Repellent:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/exempt/additive/nbs-paint-additive-16-oz

Termidor: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/termidor-sc-20-oz

Phantom: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/aerosol/pt-phantom-17-5oz

Carpenter Ants:  http://www.carpenterants.com/carpenter-ant-control

Carpenter Bee Control: http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

In fact all of the products we have listed in our CARPENTER BEE CONTROL ARTICLE can be used safely around pets. The key is to apply the products when the pet is not around and second, to let the treatments settle (dry) before bringing it back to the house. When done right, the only spray should be on the outside of the house which means your pet would not come in contact (unless he is climbing on the house) or otherwise get an exposure. Let’s take a closer look at each product you’d need.

First, for any holes you find, when treating with the DRIONE DUST we have listed in our article you’ll learn that the treatment would be where the pet could not access it so no exposure could happen here.

Second, to repel them, spraying the wood of the house with CYPERMETHRIN would be the strongest option and as stated above, could be done safely as long as the pet is kept away till the treatment dries.

But if you want something less strong and less “hazardous”, go with PERMETHRIN. In fact this can be sprayed directly on dogs for biting flies, fleas, ticks and other pests so it would be very safe for him to be around where it’s been sprayed because it’s the one spray that can be sprayed directly on him so coming in contact with treated surfaces wouldn’t be a major problem.

Lastly, the only organic option we know of is the NBS. This won’t last as long as the other two options but if you want something “natural”, the NBS is the only solution.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Drione:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/dust/drione-dust

Cypermethrin: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/viper-cypermethrin

Permethrin 10:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/permethrin-10

NBS Repellent:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/exempt/additive/nbs-paint-additive-16-oz

Carpenter Bee Control: http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

2. Any danger if I inhale DRIONE DUST while treating? Should I wear a mask?

Sorry for the confusion but here’s a brief explanation.

Lets say you treat the holes early evening just as it’s getting dark. After dusting with DRIONE, you hear a lot of buzzing and during the next few minutes see 2-3 bees fall out of the hole you dusted and die. At that point you could seal up the holes with one of our CORKS.

But lets say you dust holes in the middle of the day and don’t hear or see anything during or for 5 minutes after the treatment. For these holes, you’d want to leave the hole open for 1-2 days. This will insure anything using it will enter and die.

As for protection; any time you use a dust it’s generally recommended that you wear a DUST MASK if working in a confined area. With carpenter bees, you’re mostly outside but if you’re in a compromised position, using a dust mask or respirator will make it easier to go about the treatment without being distracted in case you do breath some.

Now if you did breathe some, expect to cough like one would expect to happen if they were to breath a lot of dust. But only if you were using the product for many years during which time you were also breathing it over and over would it pose a hazard. So the occasional times you might be using and breathing a little won’t be a problem but should be avoided if possible. And the dust mask will do the job for sure but if you only have a respirator, it will work fine too.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Drione:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/dust/drione-dust

Corks:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/equipment-plugs/cork-12

Dust Mask: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/safety/dust-mask-50pk

Carpenter bee males will linger where they suspect females to be present. Drilled holes leave female scent and will most definitely attract males. These need to be filled with DRIONE DUST and CORKED as explained in our CARPENTER BEE ARTICLE if there is ever to be a chance of the males leaving and staying away from this area.

Additionally, the fence should be treated with CYPERMETHRIN to chase away new females and help prevent new holes from being drilled. The alternative spray would be the NBS. Either one can safely be used on the fence and plants and this needs to be done if you wish to repel the bees from the area.

Now will this make all the males go away? Probably not. But it will definitely decrease their activity and since the males don’t sting, any fear you have of them is unfounded because they cannot do any damage. But as long as you have the fence and it remains untreated (meaning the nests and the wood surface), there is a strong likelihood females will try to nest in it and this will lead to males. And since males can “smell” prime nest locations, they’re no doubt attracted to the wood even before the females come around.

Lastly, killing the males you see will only lead to more coming around because these guys cruise in very distinct “territories”. And once you make the territory available by killing the currently occupying bee, another virile male will take it over almost immediately.

Here are direct links to the information and products listed above:

Drione:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/dust/drione-dust

Corks:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/equipment-plugs/cork-12

Cypermethrin: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/viper-cypermethrin

NBS Repellent:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/exempt/additive/nbs-paint-additive-16-oz

Carpenter Bee Control: http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control

The best chemical additive for carpenter bees is NBS30. It’s a completely organic, federally exempt “green” paint and stain additive that repels many nuisance pests like carpenter bees, stink bugs, roaches, boxelder bugs and ants. Basically all you do is add the jug to 5 gallons of wood sealer, mix it in and use the sealer like you normally would. The NBS will remain active for 1 year or more and will no doubt help.

Once it’s gone and the insect pests start returning, you’ll need to spray with some CYPERMETHRIN as listed in our CARPENTER BEE CONTROL article. This is by far the best chemical for repelling them and treatments to the exterior of the cabin should last 1 month or more.

NBS Repellent:  http://www.bugspraycart.com/exempt/additive/nbs-paint-additive-16-oz

Cypermethrin: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/viper-cypermethrin

Carpenter Bee Control: http://www.carpenterbees.com/carpenter-bee-control