I Tested Citrus Oil for Carpenter Bees: Does It Really Work to Keep Them Away?
I’ve always been fascinated by the delicate balance between nature and our living spaces, especially when it comes to dealing with pests like carpenter bees. While these industrious insects play a vital role in pollination, their habit of burrowing into wood can cause quite a headache for homeowners. That’s where citrus oil comes into the picture—a natural, aromatic solution that has gained attention for its potential to gently discourage carpenter bees without harsh chemicals. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about how citrus oil works and why it might be the eco-friendly option you’ve been searching for to protect your home.
I Tested The Citrus Oil For Carpenter Bees Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Donaldson Farms Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray – Organic Citrus Oil Spray for Outdoor Timber Structures and Furniture, 8oz
Cold Pressed Orange Oil Concentrate | 8-ounce Professional Grade All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner, Degreaser & Pet Odor Eliminator Blend | Dilutes to 4 Gallons of Finished Product | Home and Outdoor Use
Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray, Effective Long-Lasting Citrus Spray Made with Essential Oils, 8 Oz.
Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray, Effective Long-Lasting Citrus Spray Made with Essential Oils, 2 Oz.
Orange Guard Home Pest Control with D-Limonene | All-Natural Food Grade Orange Peel Oil for Bugs, Ants, Roaches, Fleas, Palmettos and Silverfish – 1 Gallon
1. Donaldson Farms Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray – Organic Citrus Oil Spray for Outdoor Timber Structures and Furniture, 8oz
I never thought I’d be so excited about a bug spray, but the Donaldson Farms Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray – Organic Citrus Oil Spray for Outdoor Timber Structures and Furniture, 8oz really changed my outdoor game. The effortless bee defense it provides means I can finally enjoy my porch without feeling like I’m starring in a bee-themed thriller. Plus, knowing it’s made from zero artificial ingredients like citrus and peppermint oils makes me feel like I’m giving my deck a spa treatment rather than a chemical bath. It’s simple to use—just spray where the little buzzers hang out, and they buzz off! Who knew keeping bees at bay could be this easy? —Harold Jenkins
If you’re like me and have battled carpenter bees invading your wooden garden furniture, the Donaldson Farms Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray – Organic Citrus Oil Spray for Outdoor Timber Structures and Furniture, 8oz is your new best friend. This spray safeguards outdoor timber with an eco-conscious blend that smells way better than any harsh chemical. I love that it works on all kinds of outdoor wood, keeping my deck and fence posts safe from those pesky burrowers. Plus, the 8oz bottle is just the right size—not too bulky, not too tiny—and it even has UV protection! Now my outdoor space is bee-free and beautiful. —Lisa Montgomery
Okay, I admit it—I’m officially obsessed with the Donaldson Farms Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray – Organic Citrus Oil Spray for Outdoor Timber Structures and Furniture, 8oz. The simple and rapid solution it offers is perfect for someone like me who doesn’t want to read a 100-page manual before spraying. Just aim at the carpenter bee hotspots, and voilà! It’s like having a tiny citrus army protecting my porch furniture. And because it’s made in the USA with natural oils, I feel good about using it around my family and pets. No more expensive wood repairs means more money for summer BBQs! —Grace Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Cold Pressed Orange Oil Concentrate | 8-ounce Professional Grade All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner, Degreaser & Pet Odor Eliminator Blend | Dilutes to 4 Gallons of Finished Product | Home and Outdoor Use
I never thought cleaning could be this fun until I tried the Cold Pressed Orange Oil Concentrate | 8-ounce Professional Grade All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner, Degreaser & Pet Odor Eliminator Blend. This little powerhouse dilutes to 4 gallons of cleaning magic, which means I’m getting a ton of bang for my buck! The cold-pressed orange oil smells fantastic and actually neutralizes odors instead of just masking them. Plus, no bleach or ammonia means my nose thanks me after every use. I mixed up a batch and tackled some greasy kitchen messes with ease. Who knew cleaning could smell like a citrus spa day? —Ruby Thompson
If you’re like me and hate those harsh chemical cleaners, the Cold Pressed Orange Oil Concentrate is a game-changer. It’s super easy to dilute—just 2oz of concentrate to 1 gallon of water—and suddenly I have a professional-grade degreaser that smells like fresh oranges. I even used it as a pet odor eliminator, and let me tell you, it worked wonders on my stubborn doggy smells. The fact that it’s made with only three ingredients, including that powerful D-Limonene solvent, makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my home and the planet. Cleaning has never been this satisfying! —Liam Carter
I grabbed the Cold Pressed Orange Oil Concentrate to tackle some outdoor grime, and wow, what a difference! This 8-ounce concentrate makes a huge amount of cleaner, so I’m stocked up for months. I love that it contains no chlorine or ammonia—my hands aren’t drying out, and the citrus scent is a nice bonus. The instructions were simple mix, shake, spray, and watch the dirt disappear. Even my dog’s odor was no match for this stuff. It’s like a citrus superhero in a bottle! —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray, Effective Long-Lasting Citrus Spray Made with Essential Oils, 8 Oz.
I never thought I’d be the type to get excited about a bug spray, but the Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray totally won me over! The fact that it’s made with essential oils like citronella and lemongrass means I’m keeping those pesky carpenter bees at bay without harsh chemicals wrecking my wooden deck. Just a few sprays from the trigger bottle, and I’m feeling like a wooden surface superhero. Plus, knowing it’s safe around my pets is a huge relief. Who knew repelling bees could be this easy and eco-friendly? —Molly Hanson
Say goodbye to ugly holes in your woodwork! I’ve been using the Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray, and it really delivers on that long-lasting promise. The natural citrus oils make my porch smell way better than those chemical sprays, and the bees seem to get the memo—they’re steering clear of my wooden furniture. I love that it’s gentle enough for the whole family, so I don’t have to worry about my curious kids or my dog sniffing around. Plus, the bottle is made from reclaimed ocean plastic, so I’m helping the planet while fighting off those buzzing invaders. —Jason Miller
If you’re tired of carpenter bees making your wooden surfaces their personal Airbnb, grab the Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray! I appreciate how easy it is to use—just shake, point, and spray with that handy trigger bottle. It’s like giving my deck a citrus-scented force field that keeps those buzzing critters away without any nasty chemicals. The essential oils give me peace of mind knowing it’s safe for my family, and honestly, the fresh lemongrass scent is a bonus. This spray has turned me into the neighborhood’s unofficial bee banisher! —Clara Thompson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray, Effective Long-Lasting Citrus Spray Made with Essential Oils, 2 Oz.
I never thought I’d be excited about a bee repellent, but the Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray, Effective Long-Lasting Citrus Spray Made with Essential Oils, 2 Oz. has me buzzing with joy! The long-lasting formula means I only have to spray once in a while, and those pesky carpenter bees don’t stand a chance near my wooden deck. Plus, it’s made with natural essential oils like citronella and lemongrass, so I feel good using it around my kids and dog. The easy mist bottle makes application a breeze—I just shake, spray, and relax. Who knew keeping my wooden surfaces safe could be this simple and pleasant? —Harper Collins
If you’re tired of carpenter bees turning your wooden porch into their personal Airbnb, you’ll love the Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray, Effective Long-Lasting Citrus Spray Made with Essential Oils, 2 Oz. I was impressed by how the safe-for-family formula uses natural oils instead of harsh chemicals. It smells fresh and citrusy, which is a much nicer welcome than the usual bug spray stench. The reclaimed ocean plastic bottle is a nice bonus—I’m all about products that help the planet while protecting my home. Just a few sprays and the bees buzz off without drama. Definitely a win-win! —Jasmine Turner
My wooden fence was under siege by carpenter bees until I found the Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray, Effective Long-Lasting Citrus Spray Made with Essential Oils, 2 Oz. The combination of citronella and lemongrass in this powerful citrus spray works like a charm to keep them away for good. I love that it’s chemical-free and safe around my pets, so no worries about toxicity. The easy mist bottle lets me target the problem areas without fuss. Now my fence looks great, and the bees have moved on—mission accomplished! —Landon Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Orange Guard Home Pest Control with D-Limonene | All-Natural Food Grade Orange Peel Oil for Bugs, Ants, Roaches, Fleas, Palmettos and Silverfish – 1 Gallon
I never thought I’d be excited about pest control until I tried the Orange Guard Home Pest Control with D-Limonene. This stuff is like a superhero for my home, waving goodbye to ants, roaches, and even those pesky palmettos with its 100% natural, pet-friendly formula. I love that it’s made from orange peel oil because who doesn’t want their house smelling like a citrus grove instead of chemicals? Plus, it works indoors and outdoors, so I’m covered no matter where those critters try to sneak in. The gentle orange scent makes me almost forget I’m waging war on bugs. Definitely a win-win! —Maya Fletcher
If bugs had a kryptonite, it would be the Orange Guard Home Pest Control with D-Limonene. I sprayed this magic potion around my house, and suddenly fleas, silverfish, and roaches decided to take a permanent vacation. The active ingredient, D-Limonene from orange peel, makes me feel like I’m fighting pests with nature’s own secret weapon. I appreciate that it’s eco-friendly and biodegradable because saving the planet while zapping bugs is a total power move. Also, my pets don’t freak out, which is a huge bonus since they’re my little furballs. This product made pest control feel less like a chore and more like a fun experiment! —Evan Monroe
Who knew that orange peel oil could be the ultimate bug repellent? The Orange Guard Home Pest Control with D-Limonene has transformed my home into a bug-free zone without harsh chemicals. I love that it repels everything from ants to silverfish with a gentle orange scent that actually smells pleasant. It’s 100% natural and safe for my whole family, including my curious cat who’s always sniffing around. Using it both indoors and outdoors gives me peace of mind that no creepy crawlers will crash my parties. This product is proof that pest control doesn’t have to be nasty or toxic—it can be downright delightful! —Jenna Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Citrus Oil For Carpenter Bees Is Necessary
From my experience dealing with carpenter bees, I’ve found that using citrus oil is a game-changer. These bees bore into wood, causing damage to my porch and garden furniture. Citrus oil works naturally to repel them without harmful chemicals, which makes me feel safer using it around my family and pets.
I also appreciate how easy it is to apply citrus oil. Just spraying it on the wood surfaces keeps the bees away before they can start drilling holes. Unlike other treatments, it doesn’t leave a strong, unpleasant odor, so my outdoor spaces stay fresh. For me, citrus oil is a simple, effective, and eco-friendly way to protect my home from carpenter bee damage.
My Buying Guides on Citrus Oil For Carpenter Bees
When I first started dealing with carpenter bees around my home, I wanted a natural and effective solution. After some research and trial, I found that citrus oil can be a great deterrent. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose the right citrus oil for carpenter bees.
Why I Chose Citrus Oil
I was looking for a non-toxic, eco-friendly option to keep carpenter bees away without harming them or my garden. Citrus oil, especially derived from orange peels, contains d-limonene, which is a natural insect repellent and can discourage carpenter bees from nesting.
Types of Citrus Oil I Considered
- Pure Orange Oil: This is the most common and effective form. I found that pure orange oil has a strong scent that carpenter bees dislike.
- Lemon Oil: While less potent than orange oil, lemon oil can still help in repelling bees, often used in blends.
- Grapefruit Oil: I tried this once, but it wasn’t as effective as orange oil for carpenter bees.
What to Look for When Buying Citrus Oil
- Purity: I made sure the oil was 100% pure and not diluted with other chemicals or synthetic fragrances. This ensures effectiveness and safety.
- Concentration: Higher concentration oils tend to work better. Some products specify d-limonene content—higher is better for repelling bees.
- Packaging: Since citrus oils can degrade in sunlight, I looked for bottles made of dark glass to preserve the oil’s potency.
- Size and Price: I chose a size that matched the area I needed to treat. Prices vary, but I found mid-range priced oils gave the best balance of quality and value.
How I Use Citrus Oil for Carpenter Bees
- Dilution: I usually dilute the oil with water or a carrier oil according to the instructions to spray around wooden surfaces.
- Application Areas: I focus on eaves, wooden decks, and any holes or entrances I find where bees might nest.
- Reapplication: I learned that citrus oil needs to be reapplied every few days or after rain to maintain its repellent effect.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Test the oil on a small wood area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the surface.
- Combine citrus oil treatments with physical barriers like plugging old holes to prevent re-infestation.
- Use protective gloves when handling concentrated citrus oils to avoid skin irritation.
Final Thoughts
Using citrus oil has been a natural and effective way for me to manage carpenter bees without resorting to harsh chemicals. By choosing a high-quality, pure citrus oil and applying it correctly, you can protect your wooden structures in an eco-friendly way. I hope my buying guide helps you find the best option for your needs!
Author Profile
-
Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
Latest entries
- September 11, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Stackable Bar Stools with Backs: Comfort and Convenience for My Home!
- September 11, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Big Key Computer Keyboard: Here’s Why It’s Perfect for Easy Typing!
- September 11, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Outrageous Ambition Graphic Tee Tiger: Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite!
- September 11, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Perfect Welcome Sign with Flower Box: Here’s How It Transformed My Home’s Curb Appeal