Question
We have a new home built in the middle fo 75 acres of woods.  The Vinyl siding on the porch has small holes bored on the bottom of many of the shingles with what looks like "bird droppings" dripping down in spots.  What is boring into our siding or living in there??  Once I heard a buzzing noise but that could have been a coincidence. Im thinking bees or spiders of some sort....and what do I do to get rid of them.  I prefer organic and non toxic chemical treatments.  Thanks.....

Answer
These are most likely carpenter bees. The are large, black, and fuzzy with a yellow stripe. Although they look intimitating, they are seldom aggressive. They love to boar into wood fences and shingles, specifically cedar; hence their name - carpenter bees. Attached is a photograph.

http://www.westopthebugs.com/pictures/pests/CarpenterBeeLg.jpg

The only two organic products that can be used are rotenone and pyrethrum. They are both made from extracts of plants, and are highly effective against most insects. You can also try a bee trap; a device that lures the bees in but provides no passage out. Attached are two links for these products.

http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=8659

http://www.amazon.com/JB3216-Beehive-Wasp-Trap-Yellow/dp/B0000TQR9Y

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/rotenone-pyrethrin.html

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike