Ants & Cinnamon: Surprising Natural Repellent Secrets

Welcome to Pestweek’s blog, where we explore the incredible power of using cinnamon to combat ant infestations.

At Pestweek, we understand the importance of a caring and effective approach to pest control.

Join us as we delve into how to get rid of ants by cinnamon, combined with Pestweek’s expert tips, can help you create a pest-free environment and bid farewell to ants in your home.

What is Cinnamon? 

Cinnamon is not just a spice that adds a distinctive flavor to your meals. Extracted from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum, it’s been valued throughout history for its medicinal properties. 

Why is Cinnamon effective in Repelling Ants? 

Now, let’s move on to the fascinating part – how cinnamon acts as an ant repellent. In fact, it’s the strong smell of cinnamon that ants aren’t too fond of. It messes with their pheromone trails, confusing them and keeping them at bay. 

How long does it take for Cinnamon to kill Ants? 

Here’s a heads-up: cinnamon isn’t an ant killer. Its primary function is to disrupt their trails and prevent them from reaching your food, rather than killing them. However, it serves as a safe and natural option for maintaining an ant-free home. 

Ways to Use Cinnamon as an Ant Repellent 

There are a variety of ways to use cinnamon as an ant repellent. I’ll walk you through some of the most effective methods I’ve discovered. 

Using Cinnamon to Repel Ants 

The simplest way is to just use cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon. Place them around the entrances of your house or near the food items in your pantry. 

Using Cinnamon Powder to Repel Ants 

Sprinkling cinnamon powder along the ants’ trail or around their entry points can help disrupt their scent trail and prevent further invasion. 

Using Cinnamon Scent to Attract Ants 

Contrary to repelling ants, you can use the strong scent of cinnamon to lead ants away from specific areas. Place the cinnamon a fair distance away to attract ants and redirect their trail. 

Using a Cinnamon Scented Ant Scanner 

Now, this might sound new. A cinnamon scented ant scanner is a device that emits a cinnamon scent, deterring ants from invading your space. It’s an innovative approach, isn’t it? 

Using Cinnamon Essential Oil to Kill Ants 

While cinnamon doesn’t exactly kill ants, cinnamon essential oil can be harmful to them. Spray it directly onto ants for a more aggressive defense. 

Buying Cinnamon Ant Repellent Spray at the store 

There are commercial ant repellents available that contain cinnamon or cinnamon oil. They’re easy to use and quite effective. 

Homemade Mosquito Repellent Spray 

You can also use cinnamon as a mosquito repellent. Mix cinnamon essential oil with water in a spray bottle, and there you have it – your homemade mosquito repellent! 

Using Cinnamon Tea Bags to Get Rid of Ants 

Used cinnamon tea bags have the same repelling effect on ants. Just place them near ant-prone areas. 

Mixing Cinnamon with Other Scents 

Cinnamon can be mixed with other strong scents like peppermint or clove to enhance the ant repelling effect. The mixture of scents creates a potent barrier against ants. 

Mixing Various Cinnamon Repellents 

To fortify your ant defense, you can combine different cinnamon repellents. For example, use cinnamon sticks around entrances and cinnamon oil along ant trails. 

Remember, our aim isn’t to harm these tiny creatures, but to guide them away from our homes. Cinnamon provides a safe, natural, and pleasant-smelling method for this purpose.  

Carrying on our discussion, let’s delve into some other home remedies you might find helpful for ant control. You’ll be amazed at how common household items can help you keep those pesky ants at bay! 

Home Remedies as Alternatives for Ant Control 

Essential Oils 

Essential oils are a delightful and aromatic approach to ant control. Especially peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils are known for their ant-repelling properties. Just mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply where needed. 

Borax 

Borax can be used as a homemade ant killer. Mix it with sugar to attract the ants, and once they ingest it, it acts as a poison. Remember, though, keep it away from children and pets. 

Water and Dish Soap Solution 

A water and dish soap solution works surprisingly well as a safe ant deterrent. The soapy water kills ants and destroys the pheromone trail. It’s a quick fix for immediate relief from an ant invasion. 

Vinegar Solution 

Vinegar, especially white vinegar, helps disrupt ant trails. A 50/50 mix of vinegar and water can be sprayed directly onto ants or along their trails. 

Citrus 

Citrus peels or citrus-infused water are natural ant deterrents. They’re eco-friendly, safe, and smell great! 

Diatomaceous Earth 

Diatomaceous earth, a type of soft sedimentary rock that can be easily crumbled into a fine white powder, can be sprinkled around your home to keep ants away. It’s a non-toxic substance for humans and pets, but lethal for ants. 

FAQs

Do ants like cinnamon? 

Ants do not like cinnamon. Its strong scent confuses their pheromone trails, which they rely on for navigation, effectively deterring them from crossing a cinnamon barrier. 

Does cinnamon kill ants? 

Cinnamon, by itself, doesn’t kill ants. It works as a deterrent, disorienting ants and keeping them at bay. However, cinnamon essential oil can harm or even kill ants if sprayed directly onto them. 

Do ants eat cinnamon powder? 

No, ants do not eat cinnamon powder. They are repelled by its strong scent. If you ever observe ants seemingly interacting with cinnamon powder, they are likely trying to figure out a way around this unexpected and unappreciated obstacle!