Will cinnamon keep ants away?

Author: Michaela Gleichner  |  Last update: Thursday, May 29, 2025

Cinnamon is often regarded as an effective DIY ant control option. It is believed that cinnamon acts as a natural repellent because ants cannot stand the smell. Also, if an ant inhales cinnamon, it can suffocate and die. Ground cinnamon can be sprinkled on an ant's pathway for them to inhale.

How do you use cinnamon to get rid of ants?

First, track down where the ants are coming from (the point of entry in your home) and sprinkle/shake cinnamon powder all over that area. Ants hate cinnamon and wont return through that point of entry. Seal up the hole or opening and vacuum up the cinnamon when they have gone.

What smell do ants hate the most?

Household items like citrus fruits, black pepper, peppermint oil, cayenne, thyme, and lavender can create natural ant repellents. Great for avoiding pesticides or conventional ant traps! Mixing parts of these substances with water in a bottle and spraying the solution around the house can keep ants at bay.

Does sprinkling cinnamon keep bugs away?

Yes, simple cinnamon is a common and economical tool that you can use to help facilitate repelling these insects. Cinnamon's intense aroma is overwhelming to insects and as a result they will seek a new home and breeding ground away from you.

What spice do ants hate the most?

Sprinkle cinnamon on every ant that you come across; those that survive will take the cinnamon back to their nests and warn their buddies about the danger. Ants absolutely loathe and detest cinnamon and will do just about anything to escape from the wonderful spice.

How to really get rid of ANTS naturally (does cinnamon really work?)

Do coffee grounds keep ants away?

You may love your morning coffee, but ants could do without it. Another natural way to deter ants, sprinkle coffee grounds outside and around your garden. The smell repels them and they'll be looking for a less caffeinated place to hang out.

What is the biggest enemy of ants?

Spiders are a very common predator of ants. Not only do they kill the worker ants, but many species will also eat ant larvae and their pupae to ensure that future generations are destroyed as well! In addition, it is believed that there are a lot of spider species worldwide which prey on ants.

How to use cinnamon as a bug repellent?

Just whisk 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon with 4 cups of warm water and let it sit and steep as you would with tea. Next, get your spray bottle open and pour the cinnamon mixture through a sieve right into the bottle. Add ½ teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and ½ teaspoon of dish detergent, shake well and spray away.

What animal does cinnamon repel?

While most insects are deterred by cinnamon, there are some larger garden pests that also hate the scent of the spice. Rats, mice, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, moles, and weasels will also stay away when the strong scent of cinnamon is around.

How do I keep ants away permanently?

Salt, baby powder, lemon juice, chalk, vinegar, bay leaves, cinnamon, or peppermint oil are a few items that you have around your home that will stop ants from coming inside. Lay these out in areas where you see ants, and they'll stop using that area as an entrance into your house.

Do ants like the smell of cinnamon?

Cinnamon is often regarded as an effective DIY ant control option. It is believed that cinnamon acts as a natural repellent because ants cannot stand the smell. Also, if an ant inhales cinnamon, it can suffocate and die. Ground cinnamon can be sprinkled on an ant's pathway for them to inhale.

Do ants hate the smell of Windex?

It's important to note that while ammonia-based products like Windex might deter ants or make them temporarily uncomfortable due to the odor, they are not specifically designed as ant killers.

What does cinnamon attract?

For centuries, this common and everyday spice has been used to attract good luck and fortune. Aside from adding a warm taste to some of our favorite meals and recipes, cinnamon has been used in several spells and rituals for centuries to attract abundance and prosperity.

What does cinnamon keep away?

Keep pests, maggots AND raccoons out of your trash cans with cinnamon. Just sprinkle a light layer at the bottom of the trash can and don't forget the lid. Those critters hate the smell and the powdery texture of cinnamon. #summertips #bugfree.

Can I sprinkle cinnamon around my house?

That's right, the flavorful and aromatic spice can actually come in quite handy for keeping a home clean, eliminating odors, repelling unwanted insects and rodents, protecting plants, and much more. Cinnamon has a very distinct fragrance.

What kills ants the fastest?

Vinegar: Wiping ants with a solution of equal parts of vinegar and water or only vinegar may work the best. Spray the mixture of a cup of water, a cup of vinegar, and tea tree oil (5-10 drops) on ants. White vinegar kills and repels the ants. Apple cider vinegar and water solution spray can also help.

Can little black ants damage your home?

While they are less destructive than carpenter ants, they can still cause problems. Black ants often search for food and can contaminate your kitchen and pantry. They can also create unsightly trails and nests around your property.

How do you get rid of ants with cinnamon?

Sprinkle powdered cinnamon at entry points to repel ants. Place cinnamon sticks in front of entry points and anywhere you've seen ants. Dip a cotton swab in cinnamon essential oil and wipe the oil around affected areas. This will only be effective if there's no nest inside the home.

Why do people put cinnamon on the floor?

Cinnamon is antibacterial, antifungal, and characterized by antioxidant activity. There's also some evidence that the spice repels pests such as ants, although one expert thinks you shouldn't put too much stock in this claim.

What is the best homemade insect repellent?

10 Natural Insect Repellents For Your Home
  1. Citronella Oil for Mosquitoes. ...
  2. Chalk for Ants and Slugs. ...
  3. Beer for Slugs. ...
  4. DIY Spider Repellent Spray. ...
  5. Cinnamon, Paprika or Garlic to Keep Out Ants. ...
  6. Diatomaceous Earth for Most Insects. ...
  7. Essential Oils for Ticks. ...
  8. Garlic Solution on Strips of Cloth.

What are ants afraid of?

Lavender, eucalyptus, mint, basil, oregano, and thyme are all items you can plant to keep ants away since they all contain linalool, which is an effective repellent for any pests.

What liquid kills ants?

Top 7 Household Products to Kill Ants
  • Vinegar and Water. Vinegar mixed with water can repel and kill ants. ...
  • Lemon Juice and Water. If you don't have vinegar, you can use lemon juice instead. ...
  • Citrus Blend. Image via Flickr by AtomicP. ...
  • Boiling Water. ...
  • Diatomaceous Earth. ...
  • Dish Soap. ...
  • Boric Acid.

What ant can self destruct?

Colobopsis saundersi (synonym Camponotus saundersi), also called the Malaysian exploding ant or suicide ant, is a species of ant found in Malaysia and Brunei, belonging to the genus Colobopsis.

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