Households are using two common kitchen spices—cinnamon and cayenne pepper—to keep flies and maggots out of food bins this summer. The method, shared on TikTok by Emma Lucatero, has gained attention as a natural pest deterrent.
How the Hack Works
According to Lucatero's video, sprinkling the spices at the bottom of the bin discourages flies from laying eggs. She wrote: "Finally finding a trick of putting cinnamon and cayenne pepper at the bottom of the food bin so flies get the message and stop laying eggs." In the caption, she added: "I actually had enough, it works too."
The pungent heat of cayenne irritates pests, while cinnamon masks odours and combats mould, making it a repellent against flies, maggots, ants, and mice. The strong aromas also deter flies from depositing eggs.
How to Apply
To try the method, scatter a generous amount of ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper across the bottom of a clean bin, free of flies and eggs. Place a bin liner on top and use the bin normally. Add a fresh sprinkle each time the bag is replaced. It is important to keep the bin consistently clean and wipe up spillages immediately, as lingering smells can attract more flies.
Commenters on the post shared their own pest battles. One said: "I had the WORST time cleaning out disco rice from my black bin last week after the heatwave, I'm noting this down." Another wrote: "Thanks I'm trying this, every time I think I've got rid of them a new batch hatches." A third added: "Adding cayenne pepper and cinnamon to my shopping list."
