Space Shuttle and Carpenter Bees

The Shuttle launched this morning about 6:15. Up close (above image from NASA) it must have been spectacular.



From Debary (above and below) it looked pretty impressive in the fog. The camera were not working well . . .they don't like moisture. This was the 4th-to-last launch. The final 3 will be daytime launches.



Meanwhile I've decided the Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa virginica) are genetically predisposed to come back 'home' which unfortunately is the Deltona house. There is some anecdotal discussion of this characteristic of the carpenter bees in the literature.



I've unfortunately had to kill many of these bees. . . and more emerge and/or come 'home' to nest.



None of the exotic poisons work on this species. Getting their wings wet makes them vulnerable to being squashed. . .but that's about all that will stop them.



In some of these shots you can see their mandible. Its something like a drill.



I've decided to try my best to fill all the old holes and see if that helps. The old holes are attracting new bees.



The literature says that this species rarely does major damage. I would have to disagree.



Most of the literature says fresh paint and varnish will discourage the adults. So that's going to be my next project.

BELOW: This afternoon, another bee emerges from a new hole in the back porch. I've drenched this wood with highly toxic termite poison. So. . . its now time to try a new tactic.