A simple household spice costing as little as 85p from Sainsbury's could help UK households repel ants, according to a viral Reddit life hack. The user, who had recently moved into a new home and faced an ant infestation, discovered that cinnamon effectively disrupts ant pheromone trails, causing them to scatter and retreat.
How Cinnamon Works as a Pest Deterrent
The Reddit user explained that after a quick Google search, they found that ants hate cinnamon. They wrote: 'Apparently, it messes with their pheromone trails. I sprinkled a bunch of cinnamon in the doorway where they were coming in and watched as the ants scattered and ran back outside. Cool. It worked.'
The user initially considered it a temporary fix but noted that after a few days, ants still approached the cinnamon line but became disoriented. 'Fast forward to today. There are no ants outside my door, and I haven't seen any inside. A $2 bottle of Walmart brand cinnamon from the spice aisle saved my sanity,' they added.
In the replies, one commenter joked about a superstition that blowing cinnamon into the entrance of your home on the first of the month brings good luck, quipping that the 'good luck is just no ants.'
Cost and Availability of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is widely available in UK supermarkets at low prices. For example, a 35g pot of Schwartz ground cinnamon costs 85p at Sainsbury's, while Aldi sells a similar product for 99p. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to commercial ant repellents, which can cost several pounds.
Pet Safety Considerations
While cinnamon is generally safe, pet owners should exercise caution. The American Kennel Club states that cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but cinnamon essential oil can be toxic. It warns: 'Cinnamon can cause skin and digestive irritation and sensitisation in both pets and people, especially if consumed in large quantities.' Therefore, households with pets should use cinnamon sparingly and avoid areas where pets may ingest it.
Professional Pest Control Advice
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) emphasises the importance of taking action against pests, which can contaminate homes, spread disease, and damage property. Regarding ants, the BPCA notes that the most common ant found in UK homes is the Black Garden Ant. These foraging worker ants, measuring 3 to 5mm, are attracted to sweet foods and invade buildings in search of sustenance.
For effective ant control, the BPCA recommends locating nest entrances by looking for small piles of soil or following ant trails. A quick solution is to pour boiling water directly over the nest entrance. Subsequently, using a sugar-based liquid ant bait can help eliminate the entire colony, as worker ants carry the bait back to the nest, sharing it with larvae and the queen.
In warm, centrally heated buildings, the smaller Pharaoh's ant may be encountered. Unlike Black Garden Ants, Pharaoh's ants prefer protein-rich foods and often establish multiple nests hidden in walls or other hard-to-reach areas.
Additional Pest Prevention Tips
To prevent ant infestations, the BPCA advises sealing entry points, keeping surfaces clean, and storing food in airtight containers. Regular inspection of potential nesting sites can also help identify problems early.
