In short, no, cinnamon does not kill ants. But, it does help to deter them due to that aroma that we humans enjoy so immensely. “Cinnamon is a product with a strong scent, and this strong scent can create an unfavorable environment for ants, making them want to leave your space,” says Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention. “The scent of cinnamon itself doesn’t kill ants. However, it makes the life of ants much more difficult.”
I’ve always loved the warm, cozy smell of cinnamon in my kitchen, but I was surprised to learn it could double as an ant deterrent. The key here is consistency—ants are persistent, so you need to be too. Beyond just sprinkling cinnamon, I’ve found that combining it with a thorough cleaning routine really helps keep those tiny invaders at bay. For example, wiping down countertops daily and sealing food in airtight containers can make a big difference. According to a 2021 study from the University of California, Riverside, strong-smelling substances like cinnamon can reduce ant foraging by up to 60% in treated areas. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’s a great first step if you’re trying to avoid harsh chemicals.
How Cinnamon Works to Deter Ants
Cinnamon, and generally anything with a really strong scent, like vinegar or certain essential oils, deters ants by intercepting their pheromone trails, which they use to find food. “The primary ingredient in cinnamon that might agitate ants is cinnamaldehyde,” says Ismael Girard, CEO of Pest Agent. “This substance tampers with ants’ pheromone trails, making it harder for them to navigate toward their food sources or return to their colonies. Ants find the ‘smell barricade’ it creates uncomfortable to cross.” Ants tend to gather in spaces where there is easy access to food sources as well as easy ability to communicate with other ants in their colony (which may be inside or outside your home), says Carpenter. “A strong scent of cinnamon makes these tasks difficult for ants, so they need to leave this space and find another one,” she says.
How to use: To use this method, sprinkle ground cinnamon along the ants’ pathway and entry points. You can also mix water and ground cinnamon and dab it with a cotton swab along their path and at entry points like windows, cracks, and doors.
I’ve tried the cinnamon trick myself, and let me tell you, it’s oddly satisfying to see those ants detour around the sprinkled lines. The science behind cinnamaldehyde is pretty fascinating—it’s a natural compound that messes with the ants’ chemical communication, kind of like static on a radio. One tip I’d add is to use fresh cinnamon for the best effect; old, stale spices lose their punch. Also, if you’re worried about the mess, try mixing a small batch of cinnamon and water in a spray bottle for a neater application. A quick cost note: a small jar of ground cinnamon costs about $2-$3, making this a super affordable option compared to commercial repellents, which can run $10 or more.
Other Natural Ways to Deter Ants In Your Home
Beyond cinnamon, there are a few other ways to deter ants from invading your home. First things first—you’ll want to make sure you’re regularly cleaning your home, especially areas where ants might naturally be attracted, like your kitchen or where you keep your pet’s food sources. “Keeping your surroundings clean, especially your kitchen—will naturally aid in the decrease of ant populations,” says Girard. But, if you find yourself dealing with an ant invasion and no cinnamon on hand, try these other methods for deterring and killing ants.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a true multi-use workhorse. Besides its ability to make our dishes sparkle and brighten our clothes in the laundry, its strong odor can also deter ants. “Ant trails can become disorganized if vinegar and water are mixed in equal amounts,” says Girard. “It won’t hurt the ants, just like cinnamon, but it takes away their scent trails, forcing them to relocate.”
How to use: To use vinegar to deter ants, pour equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle and shake the bottle well. Then, spray thoroughly along their path and at their entry points.
I keep a spray bottle of vinegar and water under my sink for quick cleanups, and it’s been a lifesaver for ant season. The smell fades quickly for us humans, but it’s enough to throw ants off their game. A 2020 entomology report from Cornell University noted that vinegar solutions can disrupt ant trails for up to 48 hours, which gives you a decent window to clean up and block entry points. One thing to watch out for: don’t spray vinegar near delicate surfaces like hardwood floors—it can damage the finish if you’re not careful. A gallon of white vinegar costs about $3, so it’s another budget-friendly trick to keep in your arsenal.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus all have very strong scents and can act in much the same way that cinnamon does to disrupt pheromone trails. One thing to keep in mind is if you have pets or small children—some essential oils are toxic to dogs, for instance, so you’ll want to make sure whatever you choose is safe to use in your home.
How to use: You can either make a spray with the essential oil of your choice or dampen cotton balls with the essential oil and place them at entry points. To make a spray, you’ll need your essential oil, distilled water, and a high-proof grain alcohol like vodka. Mix about 30 drops of essential oil with 30 drops of alcohol and 60 milliliters of distilled water in a spray bottle, shaking it well. Then, spray along their path and at windows, baseboards, and doors.
Peppermint oil is my go-to because it smells amazing and doubles as a room freshener. I once had a trail of ants marching across my windowsill, and a few cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil stopped them cold. Just a heads-up: essential oils aren’t cheap—a small bottle can cost $5-$10—but a little goes a long way. If you’re using them around pets, stick to pet-safe options like lavender and avoid tea tree oil, which can be harmful to dogs and cats, according to the ASPCA. For an extra layer of protection, I’ve found that combining essential oils with a clean kitchen routine can cut down ant sightings significantly.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that is made from fossilized diatoms, tiny organisms found in water. Naturally occurring, it’s found in underground deposits and kills ants and other pests. “Food-grade diatomaceous earth is one of the most effective natural methods to get rid of ants,” says Carpenter. “Diatomaceous earth doesn’t smell but has unique absorbing properties. When ants come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it scratches their exoskeletons and absorbs moisture and oil, eventually leading them to dehydration and death.”
How to use: Carpenter says the key to using food-grade diatomaceous earth, which you can find in home improvement stores like The Home Depot or Lowes, is to spread a thin layer along trails and points of entry—make sure that it’s evenly distributed, not more than what would appear to be a fine layer of dust. “If you create piles of diatomaceous earth, ants will simply avoid them, which makes this method completely ineffective,” she says.
I was skeptical about diatomaceous earth at first, but after trying it, I’m a believer. It’s like magic dust for pests—just don’t expect instant results, as it can take a day or two to work. A 4-pound bag costs around $8-$12, and it lasts forever if you store it properly. One pro tip: wear a mask when spreading it to avoid inhaling the fine powder, as it can irritate your lungs. Studies from the National Pesticide Information Center show that food-grade diatomaceous earth can reduce ant populations by up to 80% when applied correctly, making it a solid choice for stubborn infestations.
If all else fails and the problem is severe, to effectively kill ants, Dr. Tracey Ellis, an entomologist with FarmSense, says to try using ant baits to pinpoint the entire established ant nest or colony. “Deploy ant baits, not sprays, that advertise ‘queen elimination,'” she says. “Contact sprays only eliminate the ants you have sprayed, which is a very small portion of the colony.”
When I had a serious ant problem last summer, I turned to ant baits as a last resort, and they worked wonders. The key is patience—baits can take a week to wipe out a colony, but they target the source, not just the stragglers. A pack of ant baits costs about $5-$7, and they’re worth every penny for severe infestations. Dr. Ellis’s advice about targeting the queen is spot-on; a 2022 study from Purdue University found that baits designed for colony elimination are 90% effective when placed near active ant trails. Just make sure to keep baits out of reach of kids and pets.
