If you want to keep your family safe, the best way to get rid of Carpenter Bees is to call a professional bee removal team like Bee Serious Bee Removal.
With more than 20,000 species of bees in the world, there are bound to be some that cause more trouble than they solve. One of those bees is the Carpenter Bee. In size and shape, they look a lot like bumblebees. But while bumblebees usually lay their eggs in the ground, Carpenter Bees drill holes in wood to protect their nests. Here are 8 do-it-yourself ways to get rid of Carpenter bees if you find them living in your home.
Although Carpenter Bees are typically docile, they can still cause big problems in your home. The male bee hovers just outside the nest to protect it and fight off any other bees or people who try to get in. He does this by fighting physically, though he doesn’t have a stinger. Women, who have stingers, are the last line of defense for people who try to get into the nest. The real problem with Carpenter Bees is what they do to the wooden features of your home. Small insects drill holes in soft wood to make tunnels where they can lay their eggs and hide from the weather and danger outside the nest. This might not seem like a big deal, but it will hurt your house a lot over time. Carpenter Bees are looking for wood that hasn’t been treated or is raw, wood that is damp, and old outdoor furniture like tables and chairs. In other words, they tend to stay in door frames, windows, the siding of your house, patio furniture, and wooden beams that are left out in the open.
If you know you have Carpenter Bees, here are some easy ways to get rid of them or keep them out of your home before they come looking for a new place to nest:
Carpenter bees can cause extensive damage as they bore holes into wood to make their nests. But you can deter these pests without using harsh chemicals. A simple citrus spray made from lemons, oranges, or other citrus fruits creates an aroma that carpenter bees dislike, encouraging them to nest elsewhere.
Why Use a Citrus Spray?
Citrus fruits contain compounds like limonene linalool and citral that are naturally repellent to many insects. The strong citrusy scent overwhelms carpenter bees’ senses, essentially disguising potential nesting sites. This DIY citrus repellent spray takes advantage of these insect-deterring properties in a safe, eco-friendly way.
What You’ll Need
- 3-5 fresh lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit, or a combination
- Water
- Pot for boiling water
- Spray bottle
Optional
- Citrus essential oils like lemon or orange oil
- Vodka or rubbing alcohol (helps the spray adhere better)
How to Make the Citrus Carpenter Bee Spray
Making citrus spray is simple:
Step 1: Slice the Fruit
Wash your chosen citrus fruits thoroughly. Then slice them into approximately 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch rounds, including the peel. The peel contains the essential oils that turn away carpenter bees.
Step 2: Boil the Slices
Place the citrus slices into a pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices and oils to infuse into the water.
Step 3: Steep and Cool
Turn off the heat and allow the citrus concoction to steep and cool completely before straining. Steeping for several hours or overnight intensifies the citrusy flavor.
Step 4: Strain the Liquid
Pour the cooled citrus mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Press down on the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step 5: Transfer to a Spray Bottle
Funnel the strained citrus liquid into a spray bottle for easy application. Give it a shake before use to mix up the ingredients. Consider adding a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil for extra Carpenter bee repelling power.
How to Use Citrus Spray Effectively
Apply the citrus spray liberally on wood surfaces prone to carpenter bee damage. These include:
- Decks, fences, sheds
- Eaves, door and window frames
- Siding, shutters, railings
- Logs, timber, barn wood
- Outdoor furniture
Spray areas where you’ve noticed carpenter bee activity or early stage nest tunnels. Coat surfaces thoroughly and let the spray dry naturally for maximum efficacy. Reapply every few days initially and weekly thereafter. The aroma diminishes over time.
Use the citrus spray as a preventive barrier before carpenter bees become established. Try combining it with physical barriers like screens over vulnerable wood. For existing infestations, you may need pesticide treatment combined with citrus spray for complete control.
Citrus Spray Safety Tips
When using any DIY pest control product, proper handling is essential. Follow these tips when working with citrus spray:
- Avoid inhaling the spray mist or vapors
- Spray in well-ventilated outdoor areas
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin
- Wash exposed skin after application
- Wear gloves and eye protection if spraying overhead
- Don’t spray near food prep areas or edible plants
Can You Use Store-Bought Citrus Juice?
For convenience, you can substitute store-bought citrus juice for fresh citrus fruits. Opt for 100% pure juices without added sugar or preservatives. However, pre-made juices may be slightly less potent than fresh citrus. Essential oils help boost the efficacy.
Will the Spray Harm Plants?
Citrus spray is non-toxic to most plants. But test a small patch first and discontinue use if any damage appears. Avoid spraying directly on plant leaves and flowers. Stick to wooden structures and other non-living surfaces.
Other Benefits of Citrus Spray
In addition to repelling carpenter bees, citrus spray deters other flying pests like wasps, hornets and yellowjackets. You can use this multi-purpose spray around patios, picnic areas, or wherever these insects pose problems. It adds a pleasant citrusy scent to outdoor living spaces as well.
With a simple citrus fruit infusion, you can create an organic, non-toxic repellent to protect wood from carpenter bee damage. Citrus spray’s pleasant aroma and natural mode of action make it a smart choice for an eco-friendly pest deterrent. Just be sure to reapply frequently for ongoing Carpenter bee prevention.
Paint or seal any exposed wood around your home.
These little bees are looking for wood that is easy for them to drill into. If you don’t treat your deck, door frame, or windows, they are the most likely places for bees to get in.
Vacuum the bees out with a wet-vac.
This method is best if the nest is fairly new and if you have a high powered wet-vac. When is the best time to do this? In the evening, when the bees are back in their nest for the night.
The BEST way to get rid of carpenter bees. They were destroying my deck!
FAQ
How do you use citrus oil to get rid of carpenter bees?
What is the best natural repellent for carpenter bees?
Do carpenter bees like lemon juice?
Does citrus oil repel carpenter bees?
Carpenter bees, like every other insect pest, are repulsive to citrus oils. As pollinators, carpenter bees play a crucial part in nature and man. But in search of a nest site, they cause structural damage to property. We should take care in controlling them by choosing less deleterious procedures.
How do I make a Citrus Spray to repel carpenter bees?
To make a citrus spray to repel carpenter bees, you’ll need: Slice your chosen citrus fruits into thin slices. Bring water to a boil in a pot, then add the sliced citrus fruits. Boil the mixture for about 10-15 minutes to extract the juice into the water.
Do citrus fruits repel carpenter bees?
While the smell of lemon, oranges, lime, and other citrus fruits may be pleasant to humans, it repels carpenter bees. Create a citrus spray by filling a bottle with water and squeezing in fresh citrus fruits. You can also boil citrus fruit rinds in water for a more intense scent.
How can I get rid of carpenter bees?
To get rid of carpenter bees, add enough drops of citrus oil to a mist bottle containing vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or water. Spray the citrus oil mixture in infested areas. For best results, spray in the evenings when carpenter bees are active. Repeat the process at least once a week, as citrus oil is volatile and does not last long.
When is the best time to spray carpenter bees?
The best time to spray carpenter bees with citrus oil is evenings. Repeat the process at least once a week, as citrus oil is volatile and does not last long. Secure your eyes and skin when applying the treatment, as citrus oil can be harsh on the skin.
What does a carpenter bee smell like?
Carpenter bees don’t long strong smells, like citrus, certain oils, garlic, and vinegar. That’s why you’ll notice each base is a potent smell. 1. Citrus Squeeze the juice out of any kind of citrus fruits, like lemons, oranges, limes, and more. You can also boil the peels of the fruit in a pot of water.