I have a big problem with the carpenter bees down here in south west Georgia as well. About a month ago, the wife and I were standing on the front porch and a few of them kept buzzing by. I reached inside for a little S&W Model 422 .22 caliber automatic that I keep loaded with snake shot. I walked back out and told the wifey to plug her ears. I waited for one to come hovering around again and dusted him at about 8 or 10 feet.

Of course then I got carried away and started stalking them all around the house till I had burned up about half a box of shells.

Not much range out of 4" barreled pistol, but I know I was averaging better than 60%!!