11 Best Carpenter Bee Sprays That Really Works

Carpenter bees are pests that tunnel deep into wooden structures to build their nests. In the process, they cause significant damage and rack up costly repair bills. Your only solution? Buying the best carpenter bee sprays.

These sprays will eliminate these pesky woodcutters in their tracks, and offer unmatched peace of mind which lasts for a long time. Whether it’s your decking or patio, furniture or fixtures, there’s a spray tailor-made to protect you.

These carpenter bee killer sprays will kill insects on contact, and come in a variety of forms. Foam sprays are ideal for treating hard-to-reach places and crevices, whilst dust sprays coat the ground and eliminate nests in a snap.

Many are versatile insecticides and will kill other pests including termites, bumble bees, wasps, ground bees and beetles too. To give you total peace of mind, we’ve tried and tested the best carpenter bee sprays on the market. Our reviews weigh up the benefits of each product, helping you make an informed decision.

11 Best Carpenter Bee Sprays to Buy

1. BioAdvanced 18 Oz. Termite & Carpenter Bee Killer Plus Pesticide 

If carpenter bees are reaping havoc in hard-to-reach areas, this foam spray from BioAdvanced is exactly what you need in your arsenal.

Our favorite thing about this spray is how easy it is to use. Simply press the trigger slowly, aiming at surfaces, cracks, or crevices. The foam expands at a ratio of 30:1 and is especially useful for filling cracks in hard-to-reach places. 

The result? Carpenter bees will be killed and you’ll help preserve your wood. You can minimize the run-off by holding the tip firmly against the injection point for 5 seconds.

This is a versatile foam spray, which can be used both indoors and outdoors, between wooden structures and fixtures, directly on wood, and more. The patented formula used in this foam will neither stain nor cause damage to wood.

Measuring 18 oz., you’ll have everything you need to control infestations. What’s more, this foam will also work on a variety of other pests including termites, ants, beetles, and more, offering universal protection and peace of mind.

Benefits:

• The foam helps get to hard to reach areas
• Non-staining and can be used both indoors and outdoors
• Deals with a variety of other pests including ants, beetles, and more

2. Spectracide Carpenter Bee & Ground-Nesting Yellowjacket Killer Foaming Aerosol (Pack of 2)

Kill carpenter bees in their tracks, with this impressive foaming spray from Spectracide.

Simply spray and wait, and let the foam do its work. As with many foam sprays, the foam will quickly expand and kill bees on contact in just one cycle.

This foaming aerosol is especially effective if you know where carpenter bees are nesting, as you can eliminate breeding grounds and prevent future infestations from occurring.

As with many insecticides, it’s ideal to start early in springtime to prevent nests, or to spray during nighttime when bees are dormant.

We love that this spray comes in a value pack of 2, which we think you’ll agree is an incredible value. 2 canisters ensure you’ll have consistent, strong coverage against carpenter bees for the years ahead. Not only that, but it’s suitable protection against other pests including yellowjackets, beetles, and more!

Benefits:

• Comes in a pack of 2
• Kills on contact
• The foam helps get to hard to reach areas
• Effective against yellowjacket wasps too

Things to consider:

• Aerosol

3. Donaldson Farms 16 Oz. Carpenter Bee Killer Spray, All Natural Foaming Spray

Looking for an environmentally friendly way of dealing with carpenter bees? Then consider this all-natural, foaming spray from Donaldson Farms.

The signature selling point of this spray is that it comes in a non-aerosol bottle, and uses all-natural ingredients to create an effective deterrent for carpenter bees.

It comes with an adjustable spray attachment which allows the foam to be sprayed easily across wooden surfaces, especially in hard-to-reach places like corners, crevices, or underneath the decking.

Simply allow the foam to expand, where it will kill carpenter bees on contact within minutes. For that reason, it’s advised that you spray at nighttime to ensure maximum effectiveness.

We also love that the spray is safe to use on a variety of wood types, ensuring you are protecting your surfaces and not adding to the damage! It works well against other pesky pests too, including termites, wood-infesting beetles among other insects. So whilst you’re dealing with carpenter bees, rest assured your wood is safe from everything else, too!

Benefits:

• Non-aerosol bottle
• The foam helps get to hard to reach areas
• Deals with a variety of other pests including ants, beetles, and more

4. Green Man’s 32 Oz. Lemon Bomb – Non-Toxic Bug Spray

Eliminate carpenter bees in a flash with this non-toxic, organic insecticide spray from Green Man’s.

Boasting superior strength, this is an all-purpose bug spray, which is highly effective against carpenter bees in particular. When bees come in contact, they will die.

This is a heavy-duty sprayer that sprays up to 30% more content per pull, and so is ideal for covering large areas in quick succession. The bottle contains an impressive 32 oz., which is one of the biggest on the market and offers unmatched value.

To further extend the bottle’s shelf life, you can also dilute the spray mixture by up to 50% for the same unmatched coverage and protection.

The proprietary blend is simple and is people and pet-friendly. It also has an incredible smell, making it an ideal spray for patios and decking areas. That said, the spray contains the essential oil citral and menthol, and may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Benefits:

• Organic, naturally made, and non-toxic
• Strong mixture – you can dilute it to extend the spray’s lifespan
• 32 oz container offers great value
• Sweet-smelling with essential oils

5. 1 LB Drione Pest Insecticide Dust w/ Puffer Duster Bellow Hand Duster

If you want a quick and easy way of killing carpenter bees, and coverage that lasts for months, then consider this Drione dust from Vayer Stores.

Drione dust helps keep an area consistently dry for long periods. When you spread this product on nesting grounds, the bees will pick the dust upon their bodies.

The dust will extract moisture from them and dehydrate them. When bees attempt to groom the dust off their bodies, they ingest it and will die.

One of the major benefits of using Drione dust is the long-lasting coverage. Expect at least 6 months of protection from carpenter bees and other pests including termites, beetles, wasps, and more, with little to no maintenance.

Whether it’s cracks and crevices, over the ground, or underneath appliances, the dust is an easy, effective way of safeguarding an entire area from attack.

Whilst Drione dust is safe for humans, it is important to note that you should not spread this dust near ventilation or food spaces.

Benefits:

• Effective coverage for many months
• Not chemical-based and has a low odor
• Deals with a variety of other pests including ants, beetles, and more

Things to consider:

• Avoid using near ventilation or food

6. BioAdvanced 1.3 Gallon Carpenter Bee Killer Plus Pesticide for Outdoors

Promising to kill over 60+ listed pests, this battery-operated sprayer from BioAdvanced can dispatch your carpenter bees quickly and effectively.

The most impressive aspect of this formula is Its promise to provide up to 9 months of coverage. This is incredible peace of mind when dealing with pests.

This spray uses a non-staining formula, which means that you can use it in a variety of locations, including on lawns, decks, patios, woodpiles and more around the outside of your home. You can also use the sprayer indoors, including in your kitchen, too.

Now let’s talk about the sprayer itself. An ergonomic grip ensures your hand will always be supported and comforted throughout use, and allow you to angle the sprayer into hard-to-reach crevices and corners with ease. 

And because it’s battery-powered, your hands will no longer become fatigued from pressing tough grips down. 

Benefits:

• Battery-powered and with an ergonomic handle
• Effective 9-month coverage
• Non-staining formula, suitable for indoor and outdoor uses
• Kills up to 60+ notable pests 

7. TERRO 16 oz. Carpenter Bee Killer Aerosol Spray

If you want that nest of carpenter bees to become a thing of the past, then we highly recommend this aerosol spray from Terro.

This 16 oz. spray will kill any bee which it comes in contact with and has two spray functions. The first is a coarse spray, which covers a large area quickly and effectively.

The second mode shoots with extreme accuracy and is ideal for filling crevices and deep holes. The spray boasts superior residual control, protecting your wood for up to 4 weeks at a time.

This spray won’t stain wood or discolor anything it touches. It doesn’t create any unpleasant odors either, making it an ideal pest control you can use in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Benefits:

• Kills carpenter ants and termites on contact
• Residual control for up to 4 weeks
• Has a 2-way precision spray nozzle can be applied as a wide spray or into cracks and crevices
• Non-staining and can be used for both indoors and outdoors

8. Amdro Quick Kill Carpenter Bee, Ant, and Termite Killer Foam

Killing the pests that you see (and even ones you don’t), this impressive foam spray from Amdro has all the qualities of effective pest control for carpenter bees.

As a foam-based spray, this mixture expands to a ratio of 30:1. It can cover a wide area quickly and can protect even hard-to-reach places like corners or crevices.

It holds up to 18 oz. of material, and won’t spray or stain your wood. We also love that it doesn’t have any unpleasant odors, making it a great product to use both indoors and outdoors.

Lastly, this spray comes with an incredibly useful straw that can be used for precise and targeted applications, for example down nesting holes and directly into crevices.

Benefits:

• Includes a straw for targeted application
• The foam helps get to hard to reach areas
• Non-staining and can be used for both indoors and outdoors

9. Bayer Premise Foam Spray

Attack carpenter bees head-on with this impressive, all-in-one foam spray from Bayer.

Fast and easy to use, this spray is ideal for targeted applications. The foam expands at a ratio of 30:1 and covers hard-to-reach places like corners, crevices, and more with ease. The foam remains undetectable from insects, allowing the carpenter bees to move through the foam for maximum effect.

The spray is ready to use from the get-go; no need to mix, set up, or have additional tools. We also love that the formula also has an extra long-lasting residue, which delivers long-term coverage and control over carpenter bees. 

As a versatile spray, you can use the foam to repel and kill a host of pests including termites, wasps, ants, and wood beetles.

Benefits:

• Specializes in targeted application
• Long-lasting residue offers additional coverage
• The foam helps get to hard to reach areas
• Deals with a variety of other pests including ants, beetles, and more

Things to consider:

• Prone to spit back – follow instructions carefully

10. Donaldson Farms 8 Oz. All Natural Carpenter Bee Repellent Spray

This extra-strong, potent repellent spray from Donaldson Farms will solve your carpenter bee problem in an instant.

Firstly, it’s important to note this is an environmentally-friendly spray, which is comprised of all-natural ingredients, with no dangerous pesticides. It’s incredibly simple and straightforward to use; simply spray infestation zones and let the mixture do its work! Apply every seven days for optimal results.

This spray is non-staining, and so is safe to use on porches, patios, decking, and outdoor furniture. Because the solution is extra-strong, don’t be afraid to dilute it to maximize its longevity. 

Benefits:

• Extra-strong solution
• Non-staining formula, suitable for indoor and outdoor uses
• Strong mixture – you can dilute it to extend the spray’s lifespan

Things to consider:

• Short-term coverage – you need to reapply every seven days
• Small canister – may need additional supplies

11. Bonide Products 32 Oz. Ready-to-Use Carpenter Bee & Ant Control

The truth is in the name – this carpenter control spray from Bonide is an effective way of controlling carpenter bees and ant infestations

Firstly, this is a kill-on-contact solution. Carpenter bees will die almost immediately when subjected to it. For this reason, it’s an effective way of preventing nesting grounds from being established, as well as on sites with repeated infestations.

We think you’ll agree, that this spray has an impressive residue, which is effective for up to 2-4 weeks after application. And because of its pleasant smell and non-staining qualities, this solution can be used both indoors and outdoors. 

Benefits:

• Kills carpenter bees on-contact
• Non-staining formula, suitable for indoor and outdoor uses
• Pleasant smell
• Effective coverage for up to 2-4 weeks per application

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best spray to kill carpenter bees?

There are two kinds of spray which work best for carpenter bees.

Foam sprays expand and will kill bees who come in contact with it. Spraying this alongside a nest is sure to kill all of the infestations.

For bees that have buried deep, narrow holes into crevices, another kind of spray to use is one with a thin nozzle, or straw, that allows for precise firing of spray.

When should I spray for carpenter bees?

Preventative spraying is always recommended when it comes to carpenter bees. The best time to spray to kill carpenter bees is early spring when they are still hibernating. This is also before the nesting season takes full flight.

If spraying throughout the year, always spray at night time when carpenter bees are at rest. Ensure you pick a spray with a long-lasting residue so that you won’t have to monitor the nests as often.

What can I spray on wood to keep carpenter bees away?

Carpenter bees hate the smell of citrus oil. For that reason, it’s advised you spray any wood that is susceptible to damage with a citrus oil-based spray.

Why do I need to kill carpenter bees?

Carpenter bees can rack up huge damage to wooden surfaces and structures. Not only do they burrow deep into the wood to lay their eggs, but these holes can subsequently catch water and thus suffer from further damage from rot and fungi.

Carpenter Bee Spray Buying guide

If you’re serious about preventing damaging carpenter bees around your home, then you need to invest in the spray to keep them at bay. 

Here are some things you should consider when buying a spray.

Types of sprays

There are several different kinds of sprays. Whilst every one we’ve recommended is up to the job in helping you, consider this first:

• Foam sprays are effective at reaching hard-to-reach places and can fill cracks, crevices, and underneath decking easily. They have long residual coverage and often kill bees on contact.
• Dust, such as Drione dust, is ideal for already established nesting grounds or areas with a major infestation. They kill bees when they groom themselves and ingest the dust.

As always, wear protective gear including eye goggles, gloves, and a mask when applying any form of repellent spray or pesticide.

Inside or outside? Choose non-staining wood with pleasant odors

The best carpenter bee sprays will solve your problem – not add to it! It’s always important to buy a product that won’t discolor or mark your wood when treated. This means you can use it on a multitude of wooden surfaces.

If you have an infestation inside your home, or near an outside social spot like your patio or decking, consider a spray that has a pleasant odor, too.

Pet safe?

Whilst many carpenter bee sprays are only toxic to insects, if you have cats, dogs, or other pets which have free access to being outside, you should research if sprays are pet-friendly. 

Have you other pests? Choose a versatile spray

When buying the best, you want the best protection – no matter what. And whilst carpenter bees are a major problem for homes across the world, there are several other pests including wood beetles, wasps, ants, and termites.

When buying your spray, consider if it’s effective at other pest problems – choosing wisely may save you time and money by killing everything in one single blow.

Pretreat your wood!

Carpenter bees love to nest in weathered timber and unfinished wood. When you have treated the infestation, repairing and treating your wood can act as a great deterrent. We advise you to paint your wood and varnish it to add protection.

Conclusion

Carpenter bees are a destructive force in homes around the world. But with the best spray, you can help protect your wood from infestation.

The best carpenter bee sprays are specially designed to be easy to use, long-lasting, and most importantly – effective. They will kill any pest they come in contact with and will eliminate entire colonies in one swoop.

The best carpenter bee sprays will act as a preventative, dealing with the problem ahead of time. Whether it’s covering a large area of ground, treating fractures, crevices, or hard-to-reach corners, the best sprays offer you the ultimate protection.

Some even have residue which lasts months on end, giving you great peace of mind. And by spraying early springtime and at night, you’re sure to maximize controlling these pests once and for all.

You’ll be able to enjoy your garden space, furniture, and more with the best carpenter bee sprays. And most importantly, you’ll avoid costly, unnecessary repair bills!