With ants becoming an unwelcome presence in households, there is a common natural ingredient that can ward them away from your home: cinnamon. This kitchen staple offers a chemical-free solution to keep these persistent insects at bay.
Why Cinnamon Works Against Ants
Cinnamon contains the compound cinnamaldehyde, which interferes with ants' pheromone trails. Ismael Girard, CEO of Pest Agent, explained to Martha Stewart: "This substance tampers with ants' pheromone trails, making it harder for them to navigate toward their food sources or return to their colonies. Ants find the 'smell barricade' uncomfortable to cross."
According to The Spruce, "Cinnamaldehyde disrupts these trails, making it harder for ants to navigate and coordinate. Without a reliable scent path to follow, they get disoriented, lose track of food, and ultimately abandon the area."
How to Use Cinnamon as an Ant Deterrent
TikTok creator and cleaning guru Chantel Mila recently shared her favourite method: mixing water and cinnamon in a spray bottle. Spray the solution around windows and entryways to repel ants. Alternatively, you can sprinkle ground cinnamon along ant trails, windowsills, and doorways. For a longer-lasting effect, place cinnamon sticks in pantries, cabinets, or corners where ants are likely to gather.
Important Considerations
While cinnamon effectively deters ants, it does not kill them. Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention, told Martha Stewart: "Cinnamon is a product with a strong scent, and this strong scent can create an unfavorable environment for ants, making them want to leave your space. The scent of cinnamon itself doesn't kill ants. However, it makes the life of ants much more difficult."
Nathan Kruger, owner of D-termination Pest Control, added to The Spruce: "This aromatic spice acts as an olfactory deterrent, repelling ants without causing them immediate harm."
Other Strong Scents That Deter Ants
Zoflora notes that ants dislike strong scents such as citrus, tea-tree, lavender, rose, and cinnamon. All of these can be used effectively as natural deterrents, offering a range of options for keeping your home ant-free without harsh chemicals.
