By Scott Sines
This all started about three years ago when I accidently trapped a carpenter bee in our garage. The bee went berserk and repeatedly threw himself against the window. I tried to free him by raising the door and shooing him out with a broom. All it did was make him madder and he flew right at me stopping at eye-level about an arms length arm away buzzing faster than Timothy O’Leary. I tried to back away and he charged. I grabbed a spring-loaded clamp and nailed him out of sheer fear. I know what you’re thinking but I have a witness.
Three years later the bees are still around and I’ve moved from clamps to tennis rackets. I’m collecting scalps and so far this year it is 20+ for the good guys. Here’s the trick. Take the first swing with the racket knowing that you’ll miss but setting yourself up for a backhand. The angry bee will come charging right back, get in your face and buzz like crazy. Pull the trigger on the second swing and you’re almost sure to get him. While it’s effective and it’s organic, it’s also a little hard on the nerves. Does anyone know a way to get rid of carpenter bees? Please don’t suggest fire that thought has already crossed my mind.
