If you don’t have a stapler, tape the seam between the inverted bottle top and the bottle bottom instead. [3] X Research source If you want to reuse your traps, fasten the bottle top and bottom with clothespins. You only need to unfasten the clothespins to clean, empty, and refill your 2-liter bottle trap. [4] X Research source
Save the lives of bees by only using honey or sugar water. When you see a bee trapped inside, take it away from your home and carefully release it. [7] X Research source
Hanging traps tend to attract bees better than ground traps. Ground traps, however, can be effective guarding window access points. [9] X Research source
These traps will attract many kinds of insects, including ants. Use natural methods to prevent and remove ants. [10] X Research source
Use caution when operating a saw. Improper usage can result in serious injury. Always wear safety glasses and a face mask. Substitute a hand saw for a circular saw. However, cutting with a hand saw will take longer and require more effort.
Drill the hole on a straight up and down angle with respect to the flat bottom of the carpenter bee trap. If you’re a poor estimator of distance, measure the length of your drill bit and note the point it is about 4 in (10. 2 cm) long. Drill to this point. [15] X Research source
Drill holes in this fashion at each of the marked points on the four sides of your post. All holes should connect with the straight hole drilled in the center of the post’s flat bottom. The angle for your side entry holes doesn’t have to be perfect. For quick, easy, and accurate angled holes, use a pocket jig as a guide. Pocket jigs can be bought at hardware stores. [19] X Research source
The resulting three marks should form a straight line. The first mark will be the center of the lid, and the other two will be halfway between the center mark and the lid’s outer edge.
Place the lid on a piece of scrap wood or heavy metal to prevent the punch from damaging your work surface. [21] X Research source
Drilling your center hole may have created metal burrs. Prevent cuts from these by removing them with a file.
Close up carpenter bee holes while they’re away with caulk, wooden dowels, or specialized carpenter bee killing foam. Closed nesting holes will force carpenter bees to look for the most convenient new home, like your carpenter bee trap. [25] X Research source
