Natural Ant Repellents: Does Cinnamon Really Work?
Key Takeaways:
- Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and clove can naturally repel ants by disrupting their scent trails.
- Diatomaceous earth is a safe, non-toxic powder that kills ants by dehydrating them on contact.
- Keeping your home clean and free of food crumbs is key to preventing ant infestations.
If you’ve ever had ants marching through your kitchen like they own the place, you’ve probably searched for natural ant repellents. One popular home remedy you’ve likely come across? Cinnamon.
But does cinnamon actually work to repel ants, or is it just another old wives’ tale? Let’s dig in!
Why Do People Say Cinnamon Repels Ants?
Cinnamon has been praised as a natural ant repellent because of its strong smell and essential oil content. Ants rely heavily on pheromone trails to communicate and find food. Since cinnamon has a powerful scent, it’s believed to disrupt their navigation and keep them from coming back.
But is there actual science behind it? Yes, kind of.
A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications found that cinnamon essential oil was effective at repelling and even killing certain types of ants. However, ground cinnamon alone wasn’t as effective.
How to Use Cinnamon as an Ant Repellent
If you want to test cinnamon as a natural solution, here’s how:
- Sprinkle Ground Cinnamon
- Identify the entry points where ants are sneaking in.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of ground cinnamon along these areas.
- Focus on window sills, doorways, and baseboards.
💡 Does this work? It may temporarily deter ants, but they often find a way around it.
- Use Cinnamon Essential Oil (More Effective!)
- Mix 10-15 drops of cinnamon essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and spray ant entry points, baseboards, and countertops.
- Repeat daily or as needed.
💡 Does this work? Yes! Cinnamon essential oil is more potent and can effectively repel ants.
- Combine with Other Natural Repellents
- Mix cinnamon with vinegar or peppermint oil for a stronger repellent.
- Use diatomaceous earth (a natural powder) near entry points to kill ants.
The Verdict: Does Cinnamon Really Work?
✅ Cinnamon essential oil can effectively repel ants.
❌ Ground cinnamon alone is less reliable—it may slow them down but won’t stop an infestation.
If you’re dealing with a small ant problem, cinnamon might help deter them. However, if you have a serious infestation, it’s best to call professional pest control to get rid of them permanently.
Need Ants Gone for Good? Call the Pros!
While DIY methods like cinnamon can help, they’re usually temporary fixes. If you want ants completely gone, call Beeline Utah today for a fast, effective solution!
📞 Schedule a free inspection today!
🚫 Say goodbye to ants—without the hassle!