How to Build a Carpenter Bee Trap

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Gather the supplies you will need for the project.

   You may find some scrap lumber around building sites, but if you don't, one 8 foot (2.4m) long 1X4 will be enough to build several of these simple traps.
   
   Collecting the plastic soft drink bottles beforehand should also be easy to do. ,, 2 pieces 7 inches (17.5cm) to the short side of a 15 degree angle. 1 piece 7 inches (17.5cm) to the long side of a 15 degree bevel. 1 piece 8 inches (20cm) to the short side of a 15 degree bevel. 1 piece 5 inches (12.5cm) long, cut square on both ends. 1 piece but first you need a 15 degree bevel across the short distance of the 1x4.
   
   From the short end of that bevel edge, measure 6 1/2 inches (16.5cm).
   
   Make a straight cut through this new measured end. , The next piece will be cut with the saw set to 90 degrees (square), and the last piece will be cut on a 15 degree bevel the same direction on both ends., A pneumatic finish nail or staple gun makes this step easier, but small nails, or even wood screws may be used. ,,, Notch it so the end can be bent outward to create a flange to attach it to the bottom of the trap. , Remove cap. ,, Then, install another eye hook to the eave or rafter of the building you are installing the trap on, and hang the trap. ,
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   Step 2: Get your tools out

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   Step 3: and set up saw horses or a work table for cutting an assembling your bee traps.

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   Step 4: Measure the following lengths of 1X4 pine lumber.

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   Step 5: Cut these pieces

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   Step 6: using an angle square to mark a 15 degree angle on the first 2 pieces

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   Step 7: and setting the saw at a 15 degree bevel for the second 2 pieces.

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   Step 8: Nail the trap box together as shown in the photograph.

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   Step 9: Drill a 1/2 inch (1.27cm) hole near the top of each side angled toward the top of the trap so the resulting hole slopes slightly upward.

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    Step 10: Drill a 1 1/4 inch (3.1cm) hole in the center of the bottom board.

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    Step 11: Fashion a funnel by cutting the top off a soft drink or water bottle as shown in the photo.

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    Step 12: Staple the funnel to the bottom of the trap

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    Step 13: centering it over the 1 1/4 inch (3.1cm) hole you drilled earlier.

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    Step 14: Cut the bottom off of a one liter water or soft drink bottle

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    Step 15: and notch it so it can be flared to create a flange similar to the one you made on the funnel section in an earlier step.

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    Step 16: Attach an eye screw or hook to the center of the top of the trap to suspend it.

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    Step 17: Empty the lower

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    Step 18: large bottle by removing the cap and dumping the bees.

Detailed Guide

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