Question: My neighbors and I are having a problem with carpenter bees (what I used to call black bumblebees). They bore a hole in a roof beam, and as soon as that hole is "cemented" closed by us or an exterminator service, they bore another hole in that same beam. At this moment the bees are winning this war! Can anyone help us?

Answer: Insect taxonomist Bernarr Kumashiro of the state Department of Agriculture came through with ways to control infestations of Sonoran carpenter bees.

He credited JoAnn M. Tenorio and Gordon M. Nishida for providing information on dealing with those bees in their book, "What’s Bugging Me? Identifying and Controlling Household Pests in Hawaii."

Carpenter bees often are mistaken for bumblebees, but bumblebees do not occur in Hawaii, according to the authors.

While their usual nesting sites are dead tree limbs, they occasionally will nest in wood structures such as homes.

In suggesting ways for "do-it-yourselfers" to deal with the bees, Kumashiro noted, "Each situation is different, so if you feel it is too difficult or hazardous, I would suggest hiring a professional to do the work, such as a carpenter or pest control operator."

The first step is to eliminate the infestation. Use an aerosol wasp-and-hornet-killer spray can that’s able to direct the spray 15 to 20 feet, he said. Read the label for instructions.

The best time to do this is in the evening, after sunset, when the bees are in and less active. "This should kill most of the adult bees," Kumashiro said.

The next step is to plug the holes with porous material, such as steel wool or a nylon stocking, saturating it with insecticide.

"This should kill the remaining adults and brood," Kumashiro said. "If is too dangerous to do during the night, wait until the next day."

Then use wood caulk to fill the holes, and two coatings of paint or varnish over the entire length of wood, he said. "Maintain the finish in the future."

If the wood is badly damaged, you might have to replace it.

"Carpenter bees prefer softer woods, such as redwood, pine and Canec, so you may consider using a harder type of wood" in the future, Kumashiro said. "Use wood that has been pretreated. After priming, use a double coating of paint or varnish."

If you live in an area with a lot of carpenter bees, removing dead branches of trees would decrease the breeding habitat.

Question: Isn’t the Honolulu Zoo in an area in danger of tsunami and storms? Wouldn’t it benefit the city to move it to a more secluded location (like the old Paradise Park in Manoa) and sell or lease that property for a facility that would cater to park and beach visitors?

Answer: The subject of moving the zoo periodically pops up, but has not been seriously pursued because of costs and finding a suitable site, as well as a general lack of support.

In 2002 a study done for the city Department of Enterprise Services said it would cost at least $480 million to relocate the zoo to Kalaeloa; $23.8 million to demolish the existing zoo and restore it to parkland; and $12 million to $15 million more to operate annually. (See bit.ly/1OBd2gI.)

A survey done at the same time said 56.4 percent of residents opposed moving the zoo, while only 28.4 percent were in support.

The survey also showed that the zoo is a popular tourist attraction in Waikiki that relies heavily on that source for revenues.

For a history of the zoo, go to the Honolulu Zoo Society’s website, bit.ly/1Cev5mo.

Interestingly, from 1947, when Paul Breese was named the first zoo director, to 2008, there were a total of four directors. Baird Fleming, the current director, is the fifth one since 2009.

Mahalo

To the unknown gentleman who paid for my groceries at the Kaimuki Times Super Market. It made this 91-year-old cry with joy. May you have the same experience in the future. — Lillian

Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.