Finding a cluster of insects in your home can be alarming, especially when you don’t know where they’re coming from. The question many of us ponder when faced with seasonal household pests, like ants, is how to get rid of them fast. And that’s what Mrs Hinch fans pondered in a Facebook Group ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips’.
A concerned homeowner asked for help when they came home to “hundreds” of ants crawling from under the washing machine and kitchen cupboards, to which a flurry of people replied. Many of them suggested using a common spice that Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention, says “creates an unfavourable environment for ants, making them want to leave your space.”
Facebook group members chimed in with their tried and tested advice, with one claiming: “Cinnamon works. I did it and they never came back.”
Another said, “They hate cinnamon, it got rid of ours.” A third said, “We live out in the country, and for some reason, I get them in the kitchen every few years. I use cinnamon and they are gone in a day and don’t come back.”
Pest expert Nicole explained that while this earthy, warming spice can be used to deter ants from your home, it’s important to note that “the scent of cinnamon itself doesn’t kill ants”.
However, it does work as an effective deterrent, thanks to its strong scent, which intercepts the pheromone trails that ants use to find food.
That said, it should be used properly to ensure good results.
How to deter ants with cinnamon
You could try sprinkling cinnamon randomly around the house where you notice ants, but the most effective method is to dust it along pathways and near entry points on kitchen floors.
Cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and around windows and doors are common access points for hungry ants.
It’s worth checking around poorly sealed or damaged door and window frames, which can provide easy entry points for these creepy crawlies.
If you notice ants coming in through these spots, combine cinnamon with a little water and dab it on with a cotton bud along their pathway into your home.
While cinnamon is often likened to vinegar and essential oils, which are alternative natural ant deterrents, it works differently from other ingredients.
According to Ismael Girard, Ceo of Pest Agent, the primary ingredient in cinnamon that might agitate ants is cinnamaldehyde.
He said: “This substance tampers with ants’ pheromone trails, making it harder for them to navigate toward their food sources or return to their colonies.”
Ants tend to be drawn to rooms like the kitchen, where it’s easy for them to find food sources to bring back to the rest of their colony.
Regular cleaning, proper food storage, and prompt cleanup of spills and crumbs are crucial to prevent attracting ants.