If you have an aversion to creepy bugs and prefer eco-friendly methods to ward them off, Cinnamon emerges as a fantastic spice for repelling them. Does cinnamon effectively repel bugs? Absolutely! Its strong aroma disrupts their ability to find food and communicate with each other.
I have experimented with Cinnamon extensively, and I know it can be a natural solution for repelling bothersome bugs such as ants, mosquitos, wasps, earwigs, bed bugs, silverfish, and other pests. So, this spice definitely has a lot more to offer than just flavor.
Today, I’ll tell you about the 10 bugs that Cinnamon masterfully repels so that you can enjoy and entertain others in a peaceful indoor and outdoor environment.
What bugs does cinnamon keep away?
Cinnamon serves as a natural bug repellent thanks to its potent, pungent aroma due to a compound called cinnamaldehyde in it.
This scent can confuse insects by disrupting their ability to locate food sources and communicate effectively with each other. Even if bugs ingest Cinnamon, it causes discomfort and deters them from feeding on plants or entering treated areas.
Having said that, I am going to reveal to you 10 bugs that Cinnamon repels like a boss!
1. Ants
Ants are quite the unwelcome guests in your homes. They show up out of nowhere and invade your kitchens, pantries, and even the beloved outdoor spaces. But don’t worry, I have got a quick Cinnamon sticks hack to repel these pesky intruders.
This might be new to you, but ants rely heavily on scent and pheromone trails to communicate and find their way around. By strategically placing Cinnamon sticks in areas where you’ve seen them or suspect they might sneak in, your worries are over!
A pro tip: Whenever you notice the scent fading, simply replace the sticks to keep your space ant-free.
2. Mosquitos
Mosquitoes are the buzzing, biting nuisances that can turn pleasant times into an itchy nightmare. But fear not because I’ve got you covered with a natural and DIY Cinnamon mosquito repellent.
Simply mix a few drops of Cinnamon essential oil with coconut, olive, or jojoba oil and apply it to the vulnerable parts of your skin before heading outdoors. You can also spritz it on your furniture and garden plants to say goodbye to these creepy pests.
Mosquitoes are also effectively repelled by peppermint, making it another great natural option for pest control.
3. Wasps
The painful stings of wasps pose serious risks to those with allergies. Not only that, their attraction to sugary treats makes them unwelcome guests at picnics and BBQs. But here’s the good news – I have a trick up my sleeve to keep them at bay.
Just boil a few Cinnamon sticks, let it cool, and strain the mixture into a spray bottle. A spritz of this solution in the vicinity where wasps roam confuses and repels them. It also leaves your outdoor area smelling wonderfully warm and inviting.
4. Earwigs
Earwigs are harmless to humans, but they can wreak havoc on plants by munching on leaves, flowers, and fruits. If you’ve had enough of these garden intruders, here’s a way to ward them off.
You can create a no-entry barrier around your garden beds by sprinkling Cinnamon powder along the edges, which will discourage the annoying earwigs from crossing.
Enjoy a garden where you and your plants have all the space you need with no intrusion!
5. Bed Bugs
Nocturnal insects like bed bugs stow away in cracks and crevices during the day and come out of hiding at night to feed on human blood. Their itchy bites cause a lot of discomfort while you sleep.
To get rid of them, a cinnamon oil-infused bedding solution acts as a natural deterrent and will help you sleep like a baby the whole night!
When doing your laundry, simply add a few drops of Cinnamon essential oil to your detergent and wash your bedding. Afterward, dry them thoroughly on high heat to eliminate any potential bed bugs or eggs. Once they’re clean, make your bed as you normally would.
6. Silverfish
Silverfish are those sleek, silvery insects found in dark, damp areas of your home. They’re known for their love of paper, books, and starchy materials like glue and wallpaper.
How do you keep them away? Sprinkle a fine layer of Cinnamon powder in the areas where they’re most active. However, I always refresh it after a month or so to maintain its effectiveness.
7. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are resilient and adaptable household pests that can cause food contamination, allergic reactions, and the potential transmission of diseases. But I know one guaranteed solution to it: Cinnamon-infused caulk sealant!
For this, you need to mix Cinnamon powder with water to create a thick paste. Next, use a caulking gun and carefully apply it to the potential entry points like gaps around pipes, vents, or baseboards. Finally, allow the sealant to dry completely, and that’s how you’ve successfully made a cockroach-free and pleasantly aromatic living space.
8. Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are drawn to the sweet scent of fruits, as evident from the name, and can multiply rapidly, which leads to frustrating infestations during warmer months. But no problem! You can use Cinnamon sticks as a trap to deter these tiny pests.
To do the trick, place a few cinnamon sticks in a small jar and cover the top with plastic wrap. Now, use a small toothpick or fork to poke a few holes in it to allow the scent to escape and attract fruit flies to trap them inside.
I always position the trap near fruit baskets for a better effect.
9. Aphids
If you are tired of sap-sucking insects like aphids and protect your garden from distorted leaves, stunted growth, or plant diseases, I always vouch for the Cinnamon-infused soil method.
First, prepare the soil and mix Cinnamon powder evenly into it. Now, continue to cultivate your herbs or plants in it, and the strong scent within the soil will draw aphids far away from your garden.
10. Moths
Are your closets and drawers under the constant threat of moth invasions? If so, Cinnamon sachets can be a great help!
Start by filling small cloth sachets or muslin bags with either Cinnamon sticks or powder. Then, seal them with string or ribbon and strategically place them in areas where you want to repel moths.
Now it’s time to bid adieu to moth-induced headaches and welcome a more fragrant home!
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon is a powerhouse when it comes to natural pest control, offering an eco-friendly and effective way to keep unwanted bugs at bay. Scientific studies have highlighted the efficacy of cinnamon and its compound cinnamaldehyde in repelling various insects due to its strong aroma and insecticidal properties.
By incorporating cinnamon into your pest management routine, you not only create a pleasant-smelling environment but also reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides. Give these cinnamon-based solutions a try and enjoy a bug-free home and garden.
