Ants are often seen around homes, particularly in outdoor areas such as patios, paths, and doorways. For those seeking a straightforward and inexpensive method to deter these insects from specific spots, the answer may lie within your kitchen cupboards.
A simple approach involves sprinkling a small amount of ground cinnamon around areas where ants frequently travel, including doorways, cracks, and patio edges. The strong scent of cinnamon is believed to disrupt the scent trails ants rely on for navigation.
Scientific research has provided some evidence supporting cinnamon’s repellent properties against ants. One study highlighted cinnamon’s potential effect on foraging ants, while another demonstrated that cinnamon oil acted as a repellent in controlled experiments. However, it is important to note that these findings do not guarantee that sprinkling cinnamon alone will eradicate an entire ant colony.
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It is also worth recognising the beneficial role ants play in garden ecosystems. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises leaving ant nests undisturbed unless they are causing significant problems. Ants contribute by preying on other invertebrates, although their nests can sometimes create raised patches in lawns and disturb plant roots. Additionally, ants maintain relationships with aphids, gathering honeydew produced by these sap-feeding insects.
If ants are merely crossing a doorway, a light dusting of cinnamon may serve as a temporary barrier. Outdoor applications will likely require repetition, as rain and weather conditions can diminish the scent’s effectiveness.
Gardeners are encouraged to inspect surrounding areas for factors attracting ants in large numbers. Checking for paving cracks, plant pots, compost bins, and disturbed soil can help identify nests or colonies. The RHS notes that ant nests commonly occur in lawns, flower pots, compost bins, and near plant roots, making their outdoor presence fairly typical. It recommends dispersing small ant heaps on lawns by brushing away excavated soil on dry days before mowing.
When using cinnamon, focusing on problem areas such as specific doorways or pathways is more practical than applying it across entire lawns. A targeted application will better discourage ants along particular routes.
For ants found indoors, the priority should be to locate entry points and remove attractants. While cinnamon may serve as an affordable supplementary deterrent, it should not be relied upon as a sole or guaranteed solution.