Despite our best efforts to keep our homes spotless, the warmer months often bring an influx of ants indoors. These pesky insects are particularly active during the summer, but fortunately, their sensitivity to smells makes them relatively easy to repel using household ingredients.
One TikTok content creator, known as @im_no_gardener, claims that cinnamon can control ant infestations in less than 20 seconds. In a recent video, @im_no_gardener demonstrated his method, and said: “As you can see, I’ve got ants on my patio and I’m going to get rid of them.” He then took out a small bottle of ground cinnamon and generously sprinkled it over the ant-infested area. The results were impressive. „I don’t know why ground cinnamon works but it definitely does,“ he commented. „Must be something to do with the smell.“
Cinnamon’s effectiveness as a pest repellent has also been examined in scientific settings. Researchers have extracted chemical compounds from cinnamon and tested highly concentrated oils to see if they repel ants. The results supported the TikToker’s claim, indicating that cinnamon’s strong aroma is indeed a deterrent for ants.
One of the significant advantages of using cinnamon is that it is a natural and non-toxic substance, posing no risk to pollinators like bees that might be lurking around your plants. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) acknowledge the usefulness of cinnamon and other natural repellents but also offer a note of caution. They suggest that unless ants become particularly troublesome, it might be best to leave them alone.
“If a colony is destroyed, it is likely that its place will be taken by incoming queen ants, which take over the territory and may establish even more new nests,“ the RHS notes. Furthermore, ants play a crucial role in ecosystems. “Ants are one of the most numerous animals and important components of ecosystems worldwide, affecting fauna and flora of entire ecosystems,” the RHS explained. “In gardens, they can be important predators, but also manage greenfly and other aphids and can cause soil disturbance.”
In conclusion, while cinnamon can be an effective and natural way to repel ants from your home, it is essential to consider the broader implications of disrupting ant colonies. If ants are not causing significant issues, it may be best to coexist with them and appreciate the important role they play in the ecosystem.