Prionus laticollis, also known as the broad-necked root borer, is a root-boring longhorn beetle. The larvae damage trees and other plants by feeding on their roots. They are mostly active during dusk and at night. They are good burrowers and hide at the base of oak trees and other food sources.

An effective control root borer populations can be reached with the application of insecticides at the base of the plant. Insecticides of the group of organophosphates (chloryphos, malathion) are also available but these are expensive and can be toxic to the handler and the environment.

Life Cycle: Adults live up to 16 months, feeding on wood along with larvae. They lay their white eggs on the surface or just below it. The larvae are curved in shape, white, and bore extensively along the grain for about 8–9 months. Pupa develops right below the surface.

The giant size of female Broad-necked Root Borer Beetles and the fierce jaws of the smaller male give this species an unfortunately menacing appearance to humans. Males have large mandibles making their jaws look like they could deliver a terrible bite.

Powderpost beetles have the ability to bite but rarely if ever do since they spend most of their lives inside of wood.

Wood boring beetles are attracted to the moisture content in the wood, try to keep furniture, door and wooden items dry. Seal cracks and crevices on wood surfaces to deter wood borer from breeding. Remove infected wood to avoid the infestation from spreading to another area.

Recommend Permethrin insecticide for timber borer control due to its low toxicity profile and it’s ability to penetrate into the timber grain – Permethrin is a based on the natural of the pyrethrum plant – used to eradicate the adult beetle as it emerges from inside the timber.

Wipe each wall and ceiling with a rag and all-purpose cleaner. Then mix half a gallon of white vinegar with half a gallon of water and wipe again with this mixture. Repeat until all discoloured streaks are gone.

While you can sometimes treat woodworm on your own, in many cases you should get the job carried out by a professional. This is because the treatment needs to be very thorough and usually involves spraying chemicals.

Woodworm (of which there are many forms from common furniture to the dreaded deathwatch beetle) eventually dies off when the wood dries and provided the building is appropriately maintained, there is no reason why any widespread infestation should recur. …

BORON ULTRA 12 – Surface Treatment of Woodworm and Dry Rot – wood treatment. A unique Boron based Borax powder concentrate, ready to dissolve in water, designed to treat timber by brush, spray or dipping. It avoids the hazard problems of many liquid insecticides by using only water as a carrier.

Dries out damp wood as well as killing the woodworm eggs, larvae and beetles.

Boric acid, borax and other boron-containing salts are part of the borate family of chemicals. Boric acid has been shown effective against some wood pests, such as carpenter ants, termites, carpenter bees and wood boring beetles.

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Non-toxic liquids that repel bees include solutions of water with citrus oil or almond oil. Use a spray bottle to apply around the bee holes to encourage the bees to leave the nest. Loud noises and vibrations are known to repel bees, so play loud music with the speakers next to the area of infestation for 2-3 days.

A strong solution of vinegar and water will kill carpenter bees instantly. All you need to do is to spray a solution of vinegar and water directly into their hole.

A: The short answer is don’t. Instead of eradicating the shiny black wood-burrowing bees on our own back porch, we watch them, listen to them and otherwise enjoy them. They are carpenter bees, which get to be about an inch long but do not have the fuzzy yellow appearance of bumblebees.

‟Mix one part dish soap to four parts water in [a] spray bottle. Spray all bees … with this solution. The soap-water solution will kill the bees but doesn’t leave a harmful residue like an insecticide. Spray every bee until no bees return for at least one day.”

Naturally Repel Bees and Keep Them Away

• Garlic Powder. Bees are not fond of the smell of garlic, so to discourage them from being near your house, sprinkle some garlic powder near where you’ve seen them.
• Peppermint.
• Cinnamon.
• Distilled Vinegar.
• Citronella Candles.
• Hire Removal Service.
• Soap Solution.
• Mothballs.

Bees also have a distaste for lavender oil, citronella oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and lime. These are all topical defenses you can add to your skin to keep bees away. Unlike other flying insects, bees are not attracted to the scent of humans; they are just curious by nature.

Wasps have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find food sources. You can take advantage of this trait by using scents they dislike, such as peppermint, lemongrass, clove, and geranium essential oils, vinegar, sliced cucumber, bay leaves, scented herbs, and geranium flowers.

Vinegar Solutions and Sprays Interestingly, vinegar is a natural and effective way to get rid of bees in a quick and swift fashion. Bees cannot handle vinegar, causing them to die almost instantaneously after exposure.

There are several essential oils you can use to safely and effectively repel wasps. Peppermint oil on its own has been shown to keep wasps and bees at bay, or you can use a combination of clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils as a natural pest control method.

Wasps don’t like herbs that are very aromatic, especially spearmint, thyme, citronella, and eucalyptus. Plant some of these around your patio and outdoor sitting areas to repel wasps.

Dryer Sheets Bees and wasps hate the smell of a dryer sheet and will stay far away from it. Spread a few sheets around your back patio or wherever you’re having a get-together to keep the area pest-free.

How to prevent wasp nests

1. Remove sources of food from around your porch.
2. Keep doors and windows shut.
3. Place wasp-repelling plants around your home and porch.
4. Check for nests.
5. Seal garbage cans and cover compost piles.
6. Pick up trash.
7. Cover any holes on the ground.