If you’re looking for a natural way to protect your wooden structures, you might be wondering what plants repel carpenter bees. These large, solitary bees are important pollinators, but their habit of boring into wood to create nests can cause significant damage over time. Using specific plants as a deterrent is a safe, eco-friendly strategy that complements other control methods.
This approach avoids harsh chemicals and supports a healthy garden ecosystem. Let’s look at how it works and which plants are most effective for the job.
What Plants Repel Carpenter Bees
Certain plants produce strong scents or oils that carpenter bees and other insects find unpleasant. While not a foolproof barrier, strategically planting them around decks, pergolas, and eaves can make those areas less inviting. The key is to use these plants as part of a broader, integrated plan.
Remember, the goal isn’t to harm the bees but to gently encourage them to nest elsewhere. Here are some of the top plant choices known for their repellent properties.
Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)
Famous for repelling mosquitoes, citronella grass is also effective against carpenter bees. Its strong lemony scent, from the oil in its leaves, masks attractants and creates an unwelcoming zone.
- Grow it in large pots near seating areas or along a deck’s perimeter.
- It thrives in full sun and needs well-drained soil.
- In cooler climates, treat it as an annual or overwinter pots indoors.
Mint (Mentha spp.)
All varieties of mint—peppermint, spearmint, lemon balm—are excellent natural repellents. Their potent aroma is overwhelming to many insects, including carpenter bees.
A big caution: mint is incredibly invasive. Always plant it in containers to prevent it from taking over your garden beds. Crushing the leaves occasionally releases more of the scent, boosting its effect.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
These cheerful annuals do double duty. Their distinctive smell deters carpenter bees, and they also repel nematodes and other garden pests. French marigolds tend to have the strongest odor.
- Plant them in sunny beds near wooden structures.
- They are easy to grow from seed or nursery starts.
- Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming (and scent).
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
While we humans love the smell of lavender, many insects do not. Its strong essential oils can help keep carpenter bees at bay. Plus, it attracts beneficial pollinators like butterflies and honeybees.
Lavender needs full sun and excellent drainage. It’s a perfect choice for a sunny border along a fence or under a window sill.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Planting garlic around your garden is a classic pest control tactic. The strong sulfur compounds that give garlic its punch are effective against a range of insects. You can also make a simple garlic spray for direct application on non-porous wood surfaces.
To make a spray, crush a few cloves, soak them in hot water overnight, strain, and add the liquid to a spray bottle. Test on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t stain.
Other Aromatic Herbs to Consider
Several other herbs with strong scents can contribute to your repellent garden. These include:
- Rosemary: Its piney scent is a good deterrent. It grows well in hot, dry spots and can be shaped into a hedge.
- Thyme: Another sun-loving herb. Creeping varieties can be planted between patio pavers.
- Eucalyptus: The powerful oil from its leaves is a known insect repellent. In warm climates, it grows into a tree; elsewhere, grow it as an annual potted plant.
- Basil: The strong aroma of basil, especially varieties like cinnamon or lemon basil, can help.
How to Use Plants for Maximum Effect
Simply planting these isn’t enough. You need a tactical approach for the best results. Placement and garden maintenance are crucial.
Strategic Placement is Key
Focus your planting on areas where you’ve seen bee activity or where wood is vulnerable. Create a “perimeter” of repellent plants around decks, sheds, and wooden furniture. Use taller plants like eucalyptus or lavender as a backdrop, with lower-growing mint or thyme in pots at the base of structures.
Combine with Physical Deterrents
Plants work best alongside other non-toxic methods. For example, fill existing carpenter bee holes with steel wool and caulk, then paint or stain the wood, as bees prefer untreated, weathered surfaces. You can also hang untreated pine blocks or “bee houses” away from your home to give them an alternative nesting site.
Maintain a Tidy Garden
Carpenter bees often avoid areas that are well-kept. Seal cracks in wood, remove old rotting stumps or logs, and keep your garden free of excessive debris. This removes potential nesting sites and makes the environment less attractive.
Important Considerations and Limitations
It’s vital to have realistic expectations about using plants for repellent. They are a supportive measure, not a standalone solution.
First, carpenter bees are strong fliers. A strong scent may deter them from landing on a specific planter box, but it won’t create an impenetrable force field for a large structure. Second, scent potency varies with weather—rain can wash away oils, and wind can disperse aromas. Finally, remember that male carpenter bees are territorial but cannot sting, and females rarely sting unless provoked. They are generally not aggressive.
If you have a severe infestation causing structural damage, consult a professional for safe removal. The plants listed here are best for prevention and mild deterrence.
Step-by-Step Plan for a Bee-Repellent Garden Zone
- Inspect: Identify the specific wood areas you want to protect.
- Choose: Select 3-4 repellent plants that suit your climate and sun conditions.
- Plant: Place them in containers or beds immediately adjacent to the wood. Use pots for invasive herbs like mint.
- Supplement: Apply citrus or almond oil sprays directly to wood (reapply after rain). Play loud music or use vibrations near nests to encourage relocation, as bees prefer quiet places.
- Maintain: Water and prune plants regularly to keep them healthy and aromatic. Replenish container plants each spring if needed.
FAQ: Natural Carpenter Bee Control
Do carpenter bee repellent plants really work?
They can help as a deterrent when used consistently and as part of a broader strategy. Their strong scents make an area less appealing, but they are rarely 100% effective on their own.
What smell do carpenter bees hate the most?
Carpenter bees dislike strong, pungent aromas. Citrus oils (from lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels), almond oil, and the scents of mint, citronella, and garlic are commonly reported as effective.
How do you keep carpenter bees away naturally?
Use a combination of methods: plant aromatic repellent herbs, seal existing holes, paint or stain bare wood, and use natural oil sprays on non-porous surfaces. Providing alternative nesting sites away from your home can also help.
Will vinegar repel carpenter bees?
A vinegar spray (especially mixed with water and maybe some essential oil) can act as a temporary surface repellent due to its strong smell. However, it evaporates quickly and may need very frequent reapplication. It also won’t affect bees already nesting deep inside wood.
What is the best homemade carpenter bee repellent?
A simple and effective spray can be made by mixing 1 part citrus or almond oil with several parts water in a spray bottle. Shake well and apply to areas where bees are active. Always test for staining on a hidden spot first.
Using plants to repel carpenter bees is a smart, sustainable first line of defense. By choosing the right aromatic herbs and flowers and combining them with other physical deterrents, you can significantly reduce nesting activity around your home. This approach protects your property while respecting the role these important pollinators play in our environment. Start with a few pots of mint and marigolds this season and observe the difference it makes.