Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray (2024)

FAQs

Does citrus spray get rid of carpenter bees? ›

Why Citrus Works Against Carpenter Bees. The distinctive smell of citrus oils is generally pleasant to humans but repulsive to carpenter bees. When used in sprays, these oils act as a natural insecticide, targeting pests without harming beneficial pollinators like honeybees and bumblebees.

Wood Bee Pesticides

Pesticides offer an effective means to eliminate the pests. When learning how to get rid of carpenter bees, the best time for treatment is not when they emerge in spring, but in late summer before the bees hibernate. Very early spring before bees emerge is the second-best option.

Mix lavender oil, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, and citronella oil, and put the concoction in a spray bottle. This strong-smelling mixture acts as a repellent for carpenter bees. Spray it around the nest and where the bees like to hang out.

Almond oil and citrus oil are carpenter bee repellents. A good way to deter females from nesting is to spray a layer of almond oil/water mixture on any susceptible areas. Do this a few times throughout the spring to discourage bees from nesting.

Loud Music. Carpenter bees do not like loud noises, so turn up the music when you see them. The bees dislike the vibration of the music, so now's the time to crank up the volume on that heavy metal playlist.

It is best to treat at night when the adults have returned to the tunnel. Wait a day or two after the treatment before sealing the tunnel to make sure all adults have been exposed to the insecticide.

The most effective ones usually contain ingredients like cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, bifenthrin, or lambda cyalothrin. Your exterminator will apply the insecticide to each entrance hole. It will take a few days for the insecticide to get to the bees and larvae.

Use citrus spray to protect wood.

Citrus scent is highly repulsive to carpenter bees, which is why our Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray works so well. Depending on the weather, every few days during spring and summer is the best time to spray this handcrafted carpenter bee repellent.

Carpenter Bees are naturally repelled by the smell of citrus. in a small pot of water, slice the citrus fruit and boil it in the water for 10-15 minutes to release the juice. Let the citrus water cool down and pour it into a spray bottle with a “stream” nozzle and spray it into the nest site.

Carpenter bees do not like loud sounds and vibrations, so the constant clanging of wind chimes can prevent them from building their home in your backyard. However, this method is also more preventative than reactive, as carpenter bees can still decide to build their home in your yard.

Does citrus oil repel carpenter bees? ›

Carpenter bees HATE the smell of citrus and will avoid creating a nesting site anywhere near that location. For best results, reapply a coat every few days during carpenter bee season to ensure continued protection.

All you need is a pot of water, a slice of citrus fruit, and a heat source to boil the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Try lemons, oranges, limes or a combination! Some recipes also include a few drops of essential oil including citrus oils, lavender and citronella. There is no “exact” formula for success.

Does aluminum foil deter carpenter bees? Aluminum foil will prevent carpenter bees from going into a hole, but you have to remember that if they drilled that hole they can drill another one.

Carpenter Bees are naturally repelled by the smell of citrus. in a small pot of water, slice the citrus fruit and boil it in the water for 10-15 minutes to release the juice. Let the citrus water cool down and pour it into a spray bottle with a “stream” nozzle and spray it into the nest site.

All you need is a pot of water, a slice of citrus fruit, and a heat source to boil the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Try lemons, oranges, limes or a combination! Some recipes also include a few drops of essential oil including citrus oils, lavender and citronella. There is no “exact” formula for success.

Carpenter bees will avoid the citrus-scented wood, keeping patio and porch furniture as well as play sets protected. Use almond oil to repel. When applied to wood, almond oil has similar repelling effects to citrus spray. Carpenter bees hate the scent, and it will keep them from nesting on sprayed wood.

Citrus Spray.

Wood bees HATE the citrus smell! They will fly over it.