Cinnamon And Ants: Does Cinnamon Work To Get Rid Of Ants?

Ants may be tiny, but they’re mighty. With a global population of more than 10 quadrillion, they vastly outnumber humans.

Colonies work as “superorganisms,” thinking with one hive mind and acting as an organized group. When you put it that way, that ant invasion in the kitchen seems a little scarier.

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to keep ants out of your house—and it doesn’t require any harsh chemicals—cinnamon!

Just sprinkle ground cinnamon or use a Q-tip or cotton ball to apply cinnamon essential oil anywhere you’ve seen the little guys. If you’re not sure where they’re coming from, cover the perimeter of the room. You can dilute the oil in water, but stronger solutions are more effective.

While there isn’t much scientific research into why it works, some believe cinnamon’s strong scent is the key. Ants communicate by smell, leaving a trail of pheromones for the colony to follow. Introducing a fragrant spice may cover it up.

So ditch the chemical insecticide—not only is this method clean, safe, and inexpensive, but it also has a much more pleasant scent.

Illustration by Foley Wu