Cinnamon Is The Ant Deterrent You've Been Looking For, But There's A Caveat

There are many ways to use cinnamon essential oil around your home and garden – and no, it's not just for baking or making candles. In fact, this fragrant, fall-inspired scent has been gaining popularity for an unexpected reason: it's a surprisingly effective ant deterrent. The oil holds two powerful, active components called cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which are known for their antifungal and antimicrobial properties. These natural substances also act as a deterrent, making cinnamon oil effective against a variety of pests that will even send wolf spiders howling. These pests include cockroaches, mosquitoes, and, notably, ants. 

This non-toxic ant repellent is a great alternative to the harsh chemical sprays you'll typically find at the store. While it might not kill ants right away, it's known to disorient them with its scent, therefore preventing them from finding food sources. With a little bit of patience, consistent use, and strategic application, you'll soon have an ant-free home in a natural and delightfully scented way.

Before you begin, you'll need to make your ant repellent mixture. Start by combining a 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon oil into 1 cup of water. Once you're done mixing it, soak your mixture into a cotton ball or applicator, and the repellent will be ready. First, you'll need to be strategic about where you apply it, as this will drastically improve its efficacy. Try to identify where the ants are coming from. Common entry points include window frames, door frames, and under appliances. Even if you haven't discovered ants in these areas, it's still a good idea to apply the solution to these common entry points as a good prevention tool. 

Conversely, if you have found where they're coming from, clean these areas thoroughly to get rid of any debris like food or dirt that might get in the way of your repellent. Next, apply your soaked cotton ball or applicator along these areas daily until there aren't any more ants spotted. If after some time you find that it's not working, try remaking your mixture with a higher dose of cinnamon oil for potentially more efficacy. Once you're done evicting these critters, don't be surprised if you find yourself inclined to using cinnamon in your routine for a cleaner home all year long.