A widely shared tip suggests that ground cinnamon, a common kitchen staple costing as little as 85p, can effectively deter ants from entering homes without the need for expensive sprays or professional pest control. The hack gained traction after a Reddit user reported that sprinkling cinnamon at entry points caused ants to scatter and eventually disappear.
How Cinnamon Works Against Ants
Ants rely on pheromone trails to navigate and communicate. Cinnamon is believed to interfere with these scent trails, disorienting the insects and preventing them from finding their way indoors. The Reddit user described their experience: “I sprinkled a bunch of cinnamon in the doorway where they were coming in and watched as the ants scattered and ran back outside. For the first few days, the ants were still coming up to the cinnamon line and getting disoriented, but not harmed. Fast forward to today - there are no ants outside my door, and I haven’t seen any inside.”
Effectiveness and User Experiences
Other users on the forum reported similar success, with some noting that the method also served as a good-luck charm, referencing a superstition about blowing cinnamon into the home at the start of the month. While anecdotal evidence supports the use of cinnamon, pest control experts emphasise that it may only provide a temporary solution.
Safety Considerations Around Pets
Experts warn that while cinnamon is generally safe for humans, it should be used with caution around animals. According to the American Kennel Club, cinnamon is not toxic to dogs in small amounts, but can cause irritation if ingested in large quantities or applied directly to skin. Cinnamon essential oils, in particular, can be harmful to pets and should be avoided.
When to Seek Professional Help
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) advises that pests can contaminate food, damage property and spread bacteria, so infestations should not be ignored. Ants are among the most common household pests in the UK, especially during warmer months, with the black garden ant being the most frequently seen species. Worker ants travel in organised trails between food sources and their nest, and disrupting these trails can help reduce activity.
If the problem persists, experts recommend locating the nest by following ant trails or spotting small soil piles. Pouring boiling water over the entrance, or mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spraying it on wandering ants, can offer a quick fix. Sugar-based liquid baits can help eliminate the colony by targeting the queen. For more stubborn infestations, particularly with species like Pharaoh ants that nest indoors, professional pest control may be needed, highlights BPCA.
While simple household remedies like cinnamon may offer a temporary fix, experts stress that early action is key to preventing infestations from becoming more serious.
