Ants often become a familiar nuisance around homes, especially near patios, pathways, and entrances. For those seeking an easy and inexpensive method to discourage ants from specific areas, the solution might be as close as the kitchen cupboard.
Sprinkling a small amount of ground cinnamon around frequently trafficked spots – such as doorways, cracks, and edges of patios – could help deter ants. The strong aroma of cinnamon is believed to disrupt the scent trails ants use to navigate.
Scientific studies have shown some evidence of cinnamon’s repellent properties against ants. One investigation found that cinnamon had promising effects when tested on foraging ants, while another revealed that cinnamon oil can repel ants in controlled environments. However, it is important to note that these findings do not guarantee that simply sprinkling supermarket cinnamon will eradicate an entire ant colony.
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Ants also play a valuable role in gardens. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), ants are important components of garden ecosystems, contributing to pest control by preying on other invertebrates. Although ant nests can cause raised patches of soil on lawns and may disturb plant roots, they should generally be left undisturbed unless they are causing issues. Ants also engage in mutually beneficial relationships with aphids, collecting the honeydew produced by these sap-feeding insects.
For those dealing with ants crossing doorways, a light dusting of cinnamon could serve as a temporary barrier. Since outdoor conditions like rain can diminish the scent, repeated applications may be necessary.
Gardeners are advised to inspect areas encouraging ant activity, including cracks in paving, plant pots, compost heaps, and disturbed soil, to identify potential nesting sites. The RHS notes that ant nests are commonly found in lawns, flower pots, compost bins, and near plant roots. Small ant mounds on lawns can be dispersed by brushing away the soil on dry days before mowing.
When using cinnamon, it is more practical to target specific problem areas rather than spreading it across an entire lawn. This focused approach effectively deters ants from particular routes without waste.
If ants are found indoors, the priority should be to locate their entry points and remove anything attracting them. While cinnamon offers an affordable supplementary deterrent, it should not be considered a guaranteed solution against indoor ant infestations.