Does cinnamon get rid of gnats?

Author: Keanu Little  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

Does Cinnamon Keep Fungus Gnats Away? No—but the idea that cinnamon could provide a natural method for controlling fungus gnats has some basis in reality. "Unfortunately, you can't count on cinnamon on or in the potting mix to help control fungus gnats," Hancock says.

How do you use cinnamon to get rid of gnats?

Cinnamon isn't really that helpful in fighting fungus gnats though. It's really just not strong enough to do what it's supposed to do. You would need it to basically be a major component of your soil, and at that point it would likely damage roots. Try mosquito dunks if you can get your hands on them.

What smell do gnats hate?

The only way to get rid of gnats without killing them is to repel them with scents they don't like: vinegar, vanilla, pine oil, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender. Even dryer sheets could help.

Can I sprinkle cinnamon on my plants?

There are almost countless uses for cinnamon in the garden: it can be used as a nature-friendly pesticide, a repellent against annoying insects, or as a catalyst to promote root growth in plant cuttings.

Why do I suddenly have gnats in my house?

Inside the home, gnats can be attracted to unsealed produce, fresh flowers, houseplants, food spillage and open or overflowing garbage cans. Gnats may also live in sink drains where food residue can collect. Dirty kitchen sink drains can provide food, water, shelter and breeding sites to many fly species.

How to Get rid of Pests with CINNAMON - ANTS, FLIES, BEE'S, GNATS, MICE, PIGEONS, CATS, SQUIRRELS

What kills gnats and their eggs?

For hydrogen peroxide, mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with four parts water. Carefully pour this solution onto the top of the soil, ensuring it reaches the root zone. The hydrogen peroxide will help kill the gnat larvae and any eggs in the soil without harming your plant.

Does sprinkling cinnamon on plants keep bugs away?

For starters, they do not like the scent of cinnamon. But they will also perish if they ingest it as well. Using cinnamon oil to spray on the plants will also deter thrips. In addition, the oil or powder can also help to deter aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies in the same manner!

How to get rid of gnats on plants?

Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

DE, as it's known, is an organic, abrasive powder you can buy to sprinkle over the dry soil in your plants. It will trap the gnats until they die from dehydration. Don't apply it when the soil is wet or it won't work.

Can you put cinnamon on top of plant soil?

Yes, just ground cinnamon. All you have to do is sprinkle it over the soil.

Do dryer sheets keep gnats away?

Conclusions. Based on the results obtained from our study, it is evident that Bounce original brand fabric softener dryer sheets repel fungus gnats.

What makes gnats worse?

Additionally, houseplants can harbor gnats, particularly fungus gnats, which lay their eggs in moist soil. The larvae then feed on organic matter in the soil, potentially harming plants and causing an infestation. Overwatering plants only makes this situation worse.

What is the best homemade gnat repellent?

Fill a glass or a bowl with 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a half cup of warm water, and about 5 drops of liquid dish soap and stir well. Gnats will be attracted to the sweet sugar and pungent vinegar, but the sticky dish soap will disable them from escaping.

Does sprinkling cinnamon on soil keep gnats away?

Chamomile and cinnamon are powerful natural fungicides, which kill off the gnats' primary food source, therefore making the soil inhospitable.

What bugs does cinnamon get rid of?

Not only will the cinnamon repel mosquitoes and other biters, it has been known to kill mosquito larvae/eggs. You will then have peace of mind knowing that your children can play with extra, natural repellant, instead of typical bug sprays that can be sticky, smelly, irritating and are not long-lasting.

What spice keeps gnats away?

Yes! Cinnamon. Cinnamon naturally contains eugenol, an aromatic compound commonly found in traditional insect repellants.

Do coffee grounds keep gnats away?

Coffee grind is great at removing gnat infestations. Dry the grind thoroughly – this will prevent mould from forming – and spread it over the potting soil. A thin layer will keep the female gnats from laying their eggs. Additionally, the coffee can fertilise your plants.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for plants?

With all that in mind, the EPA says that hydrogen peroxide in low doses is indeed safe for plants. The caveat is of course, in the concentration. Too much can damage plants.

What smells do plant gnats hate?

You can use peppermint oil in a diffuser or make a spray with water and a few drops of the oil. Spray it around windows and doors to keep gnats out. Lavender is also effective. Gnats can't stand the smell of lavender, so consider planting lavender in your garden.

How to get rid of plant gnats naturally?

Often, overwatered indoor plants attract gnats. Let the soil dry out between waterings to discourage gnats from making your plants their home. Try easy home remedies like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and cinnamon—without killing your plants. Read on to find more ways to get rid of gnats in plants naturally.

How to use cinnamon to get rid of flies?

Some ways to create homemade cinnamon fly repellent include:
  1. Diffusing cinnamon essential oil.
  2. Mixing cinnamon oil with water in a spray bottle.
  3. Sprinkling ground cinnamon on a low burner to release the scent.
  4. Lighting some cinnamon incense sticks.

How long does ground cinnamon last?

If kept in your average spice packaging, ground cinnamon may only last a few months, but an airtight container can extend that shelf life to two or three years. Meanwhile, cinnamon sticks can last even longer in an airtight container: four to five years.

What makes gnats go away fast?

They also are attracted to unsealed produce, flowers, and house plants. How do I get rid of gnats quickly? The quickest solution to getting rid of gnats is to clean your space and remove any trash or unsealed food. Wipe down counters, clean drains, and make sure there is no standing water in your sink.

Will baking soda get rid of gnats in plants?

Baking soda seems so innocent — great for delightful cakes and sponges — but it's adept at cleaning out your drains and killing bugs. So, spread baking soda over the potting soil surface with a sieve, then moisten it with a water spray. And within a few days, the soda will penetrate the larvae and kill them.

What eats gnats?

Parasitic wasps (Synacra flies) are a natural enemy of fungus gnats and may be seen on yellow sticky cards, especially in unsprayed greenhouses. Entomopathogenic nematodes, soil dwelling predatory mites, rove beetles are all part of a biological control program for fungus gnats.

Previous article
How to circulate air in room with the door closed?
Next article
What are antique kitchen cabinets called?