Question: I wanted to know if there is any substance that I could use preventively to repel carpenter bees, short of painting the wood. I am told that treated lumber does not keep these bees away. My father-in-law is doing pest control and was ask to apply what ever was available to prevent infestation.

Answer: Paint will help but it is not fool proof. There is not much - outside of covering the wood with metal - that will dissuade the bees once they have targeted your house.

Information listed is valid only for the state of Indiana.

The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is implied. Any person using products listed assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current direction of the manufacturer. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution.