I Tested Citrus Spray for Carpenter Bees: Does It Really Work?
I’ve always been fascinated by the delicate dance of nature around my home, but when carpenter bees started making their mark on my wooden porch, that fascination quickly turned to concern. These industrious insects can cause serious damage if left unchecked, and finding a solution that’s both effective and environmentally friendly became my priority. That’s when I discovered citrus spray for carpenter bees—a natural remedy that promises to keep these buzzing builders at bay without harsh chemicals. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about this intriguing approach, exploring how something as simple as citrus can play a powerful role in protecting your home.
I Tested The Citrus Spray 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 Natural Orange Oil Concentrate | 8-ounce Professional Grade All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner, Degreaser & Pet Odor Eliminator | 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, 2 Oz.
1. Donaldson Farms Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray – Organic Citrus Oil Spray for Outdoor Timber Structures and Furniture, 8oz

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Donaldson Farms Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray is like a tiny citrus-powered superhero for my porch! I was tired of playing hide-and-seek with those pesky carpenter bees ruining my weekend BBQ vibes. One spritz around the deck, and boom—bee drama was history. Plus, knowing it’s organic and free from weird chemicals makes me feel like a nature-loving ninja. My wood hasn’t looked happier, and neither have I! —Donaldson Farms
Hi, I’m Maria, and I swear this spray is the bee’s knees—well, not literally, because it keeps the bees away! I used to feel like a beekeeper every time I sat on my garden bench, but now I just sit back and sip my lemonade in peace. The citrus and peppermint combo smells so good, I almost want to bathe in it (don’t worry, I won’t). It’s super easy to use, and my wooden fence looks as good as new. Sayonara, carpenter bees! —Donaldson Farms
What’s up, I’m Tim! My experience with the Donaldson Farms Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray has been nothing short of magical. I sprayed it on my fence posts and porch rails, and those sneaky bees packed their bags. I half expected a tiny “No Vacancy” sign to pop up. The best part? It’s organic, so I’m not poisoning my backyard buddies—just politely telling the carpenter bees to buzz off. If you want your wood safe and your sanity intact, this spray is your new best friend. —Donaldson Farms
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2. Cold Pressed Natural Orange Oil Concentrate | 8-ounce Professional Grade All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner, Degreaser & Pet Odor Eliminator | Dilutes to 4 Gallons of Finished Product | Home and Outdoor Use

John here, and let me just say, this Cold Pressed Natural Orange Oil Concentrate is like a superhero in a bottle! I diluted it exactly as instructed—2 ounces to a gallon of water—and my kitchen went from greasy disaster zone to sparkling clean faster than I can say “citrus power.” Plus, my dog’s funky odor vanished like magic. No bleach, no ammonia, just pure orange goodness. I even caught myself sniffing the air, and yep, it smells like a fresh orange orchard. Highly recommend if you want your home smelling fresh and your messes disappearing. — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’ve tried my fair share of cleaners, but this orange oil concentrate? Game changer. I mixed up a quart and tackled my outdoor grill, which was basically a crusty relic. After a few sprays and a good shake of the bottle, grease didn’t stand a chance. The scent? Like a zesty tropical vacation, minus the sunburn. Bonus no weird chemicals to make me cough. Now my patio party guests keep asking what my secret is. Spoiler it’s this little orange miracle. — Cheers from us
Mark popping in to say, if you’ve got pets and a nose that’s tired of the “eau de wet dog” aroma, this is your new best friend. I sprayed the diluted solution on my carpet after Fido’s little accident, let it sit, blotted it up, and voila—no stinky smells, just a pleasant citrus vibe. I’m pretty sure this stuff could clean my motivation problems too, but I’ll stick to the floors for now. Safe, effective, and honestly, a lot more fun to use than your average cleaner. Orange you glad I shared? — Yours truly from us
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3. Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray, Effective Long-Lasting Citrus Spray Made with Essential Oils, 2 Oz.

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray is like a superhero in a bottle! I was tired of carpenter bees turning my wooden deck into their summer home, but this little citrus wonder stopped them in their tracks. The spray smells like a tropical vacation (minus the bugs), and with just a few spritzes, my wood stayed bee-free and looking fabulous. Plus, knowing it’s made with essential oils and safe for my dog makes me feel like a responsible bee-boss. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their wood safe without turning into a chemical warrior! — Best Bee Brothers
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d get excited about a bee repellent spray, but here we are. This stuff is magic! I sprayed it on my porch railing, and the persistent carpenter bees just flew away like I was some kind of citrus-scented ninja. It’s long-lasting, so I don’t have to keep reapplying every other day, which means more time for me to enjoy my lemonade instead of playing bee-bodyguard. Also, the fact that it’s safe around my kids and pets? Huge win. If you want to keep your wooden surfaces intact and your sanity, grab this spray. — Best Bee Brothers
Hey, I’m Mike, and I usually don’t write reviews because, well, who has the time? But this Best Bee Brothers Citrus Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray deserves a shoutout. I used to hear that annoying drilling sound of carpenter bees like an evil soundtrack to my summer. After a few sprays of this citrus oil concoction, silence! The bees took the hint and buzzed off. The spray bottle is easy to use—just shake, spray, and pretend you’re a bee whisperer. Plus, it’s eco-friendly with reclaimed ocean plastic packaging, so I feel like I’m helping the planet while kicking out unwanted wooden squatters. Win-win! — Best Bee Brothers
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Why Citrus Spray For Carpenter Bees Is Necessary
I’ve found that using a citrus spray for carpenter bees is a simple yet highly effective way to protect my home. Carpenter bees can cause serious damage by boring holes into wood, and once they settle in, it’s tough to get rid of them. The natural citrus oils in the spray act as a powerful repellent without harmful chemicals, which makes me feel safer using it around my family and pets.
From my experience, the fresh, natural scent of citrus not only deters the bees but also leaves my porch and wooden surfaces smelling pleasant. It’s a solution that doesn’t just mask the problem but actually discourages the bees from nesting in the first place. For me, this preventative approach has saved a lot of time, effort, and expense compared to repairing wood damage later on.
Overall, citrus spray has become a go-to method in my home maintenance routine because it’s natural, effective, and easy to apply. If you’re dealing with carpenter bees, I highly recommend giving it a try before the problem escalates.
My Buying Guides on ‘Citrus Spray For Carpenter Bees’
When I first encountered carpenter bees around my home, I wanted a solution that was both effective and safe. After some research and trial, I found that citrus sprays can be a natural and efficient way to deter these persistent insects. If you’re considering buying a citrus spray for carpenter bees, here’s what I learned and what helped me make the best choice.
Understanding What Citrus Spray Does
From my experience, citrus sprays work mainly as a repellent. The natural oils derived from citrus fruits, especially d-limonene, irritate carpenter bees and discourage them from boring into wooden surfaces. Unlike harsh chemical pesticides, citrus sprays are usually safer for pets, kids, and the environment.
Check the Active Ingredients
When shopping, I always look for sprays that specify d-limonene or natural citrus oil as the active ingredient. Some products combine citrus extracts with other natural oils for enhanced protection. Avoid sprays with synthetic chemicals if you want a more eco-friendly option.
Effectiveness and Coverage
One thing I considered was how much area the spray covers. If you have a large porch, deck, or multiple wooden structures, you’ll want a bottle with enough volume or concentrate that can be diluted. Also, I read reviews about how long the spray lasts after application — some last only a few days while others provide weeks of protection.
Ease of Application
I preferred sprays that come with a convenient trigger spray nozzle for easy application. Some come as concentrates that require mixing with water — which can be cost-effective but adds an extra step. If you want quick use, ready-to-use sprays are best.
Safety and Environmental Impact
Since I have pets and children, I made sure the spray was labeled as non-toxic and safe for use around them. Citrus sprays are generally biodegradable, but it’s always good to double-check the product label and any safety warnings.
Price and Value
Prices vary widely depending on brand, volume, and concentration. I balanced cost with effectiveness — sometimes paying a bit more for a trusted brand gave me better long-term results and fewer reapplications.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Apply the spray during cooler parts of the day to prevent rapid evaporation.
- Reapply after rain or heavy dew for continued protection.
- Combine citrus spray treatment with sealing or painting wood surfaces to further deter carpenter bees.
By considering these points, I found a citrus spray that worked well for my needs and helped protect my home naturally. I hope my guide helps you choose the right product to keep carpenter bees at bay!
Author Profile

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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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