Natural Carpenter Bee Deterrents That Actually Work

by Cliff Davis

Tired of Bees Drilling into Your Wood? Here’s What You Can Do

Carpenter bees are one of the most frustrating springtime invaders for homeowners. They may not sting often, but their habit of drilling perfectly round holes into wooden structures can cause serious long-term damage.

At Bee’s N Things, we talk with people across the country who are looking for natural, safe, and effective carpenter bee deterrents. That’s why we created this guide—to show you what really works, what doesn’t, and how our carpenter bee traps and kits can help finish the job.

 

What Are Carpenter Bees Attracted To?

Before you can stop them, you need to understand what they’re looking for. Carpenter bees are most active in spring and early summer, and they prefer:

  • Untreated, unpainted wood (especially pine, cedar, redwood, or cypress)

  • Areas protected from rain, like eaves, railings, and decks

    Natural Carpenter Bee Deterrents

  • Previously drilled holes they or other bees created

Once they’ve chosen a nesting site, the female bee starts drilling into the wood to lay her eggs. That’s when the damage begins.

Do Natural Carpenter Bee Deterrents Really Work?

Yes—but only if you use the right ones and use them correctly. Natural deterrents can reduce carpenter bee activity, especially when paired with effective bee traps like the ones we sell at Bee’s N Things.

Here are some of the best natural carpenter bee deterrents that actually work:

1. Citrus Oil Spray

Carpenter bees dislike strong citrus scents. You can make a DIY citrus spray by boiling orange or lemon peels in water and spraying it around known nesting areas.

Where to spray:

  • Around bee holes (but not inside unless you’ve confirmed it’s empty)

  • Under railings, eaves, and rooflines

Tip: Reapply every few days during peak season.

2. Almond Oil or Eucalyptus Oil

Essential oils like almond oil and eucalyptus oil are also known to repel carpenter bees naturally.

How to use them:

  • Soak cotton balls in the oil and place them near common bee entry points

  • Use diluted oil spray on exposed wood

3. Sound Deterrents (Ultrasonic Devices)

Some people use ultrasonic pest repellents to discourage bees. While the science is mixed, homeowners have reported moderate success when used early in the season before bees settle.

These work best as part of a larger plan that includes bee traps and sealing old tunnels.

4. Painting or Staining Exposed Wood

This is one of the simplest and most effective deterrents. Carpenter bees are far less likely to drill into painted or sealed surfaces than raw wood.

Best practice:

  • Use thick, oil-based paint or wood stain

  • Apply to all surfaces, including undersides of beams or railings

5. Plug and Seal Old Holes

If carpenter bees have been active before, they’ll likely return to the same holes or nearby areas. Plugging old holes is critical.

Use:

  • Wood putty

  • Wooden dowels with exterior-grade glue

  • Paint or sealant after plugging

But What About Carpenter Bee Traps?

Here’s the thing—natural deterrents help, but they’re rarely enough on their own. That’s where carpenter bee traps come in.

At Bee’s N Things, we offer bee traps for sale that are specifically designed to mimic nesting holes, attract bees naturally, and keep them from reproducing or causing further damage.

Why Our Bee Traps Are So Effective

There are plenty of gimmicks out there. Here’s why our customers say Bee’s N Things offers the most successful carpenter bee traps in the U.S.:

  • 100% chemical-free: Safe around pets, kids, and gardens

  • Crafted to mimic nesting behavior: Designed with the carpenter bee’s instincts in mind

  • Built to last: Sturdy, reusable traps made from quality materials

  • Proven results: Thousands of happy homeowners and repeat customers

We also offer starter kits and bundle packs so you can protect multiple areas of your home without overpaying.

What to Expect When You Use Our Traps and Natural Deterrents Together

When you pair our traps with smart prevention steps, here’s what you can expect:

  • Reduced bee activity within 1–2 weeks

  • No new holes forming in treated or painted wood

  • Visible results—traps fill up quickly during peak months

This combined approach helps protect your home season after season, not just temporarily.

What’s the Best Time to Start?

The best time to put out traps and start using deterrents is late winter to early spring, before the bees begin nesting. But if it’s already summer? It’s not too late.

Here’s your next steps based on the season:

  • Early Spring: Hang traps, treat wood, spray deterrents, and plug old holes

  • Summer: Hang traps near active areas and plug unused tunnels

  • Fall/Winter: Inspect and repair wood, plug all tunnels, paint exposed areas

FAQs About Natural Carpenter Bee Control

Can I get rid of carpenter bees without chemicals?
Yes. Our bee traps and deterrents are 100% natural and chemical-free.

Will carpenter bees return every year?
If left untreated, yes. They reuse old tunnels and attract others to nest nearby.

Do carpenter bee traps harm honeybees?
No. Our traps are designed specifically for carpenter bees and do not attract honeybees or other pollinators.

Natural carpenter bee deterrents do work—but they work best when used early, consistently, and alongside reliable traps.

At Bee’s N Things, we’re proud to offer the most effective carpenter bee traps and kits in the United States. We believe in giving homeowners simple, safe solutions that actually protect their homes without harsh chemicals or complicated installs.

Check out our bee traps for sale today, and take the first step toward a bee-free spring.

Need help picking the right trap or kit? Our team is always happy to help

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