answersLogoWhite

0

What does cinnamon do to ants?

Updated: 10/7/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Best Answer

The ants don't take the cinnamon anywhere because they hate it. So it does not act like a poison. Ants just seem to have a sensitivity to the strong odor of it. This makes sense given that ants communicate and navigate through scent. I've experimented with this myself at home, as I have an ongoing battle in my kitchen. They really seem to hate it. Some people recommend cinnamon sticks, but based on my observation, the ants probably wouldn't be deterred. The powder which can cover some surface area does the trick though... and it smells like I might actually be baking something delicious!

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Cinnamon + Ants=

IT REPELS them! If you have ants, put cinnamon around the nest of ants. Do Not put cinnamon directly on the nest as you may find yourself covered with ants.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Smell, taste and texture are what make cinnamon repulsive to ants.

Specifically, the ant in question (Formicidae family) has small jaws that are not conducive to consuming cinnamon in any form -- paste, powder, stick. The spice in question (Cinnamomum spp) is strong in form, fragrance and taste. Ants refrain from getting close to strong colors, odors, tastes and textures.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Hi, Cinnamon does not actually get rid of red ants or any ants but the ants will stay away from it because they dont like it. People say cinnamon gets rid of them but what actually happens is that they take the cinnamon back to their queen but ants cant digest the cinnamon and the queen will die and soon enough their colony will die. If you want to kill them then try using sugar and borax, borax is basically soap. They can resist eating the sugar but will die from eating the soap..the only problem is that the sugar will probably attract more ants but you can try it if you want.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Yes, cinnamon repels ants.

Specifically, the insect in question (Formicidaefamily) avoids strong colors, smells and tastes. Cinnamon grounds, paste and stick function equally effectively as deterrents and repellents. It is impossible for small-jawed ants to consume their way through the barriers. It in fact is repugnant to them to do so since ants really detest the strong odor that remains on their bodies after interactions with cinnamon in any form.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Yes, cinnamon repels ants. The spice in question (Cinnamomum spp), in stick form, discourages entrance by functioning as an inconvenient, uncomfortable obstacle and, in ground form, is too large to be digested. Ants tend to avoid encounters with strong odors since no colony appreciates the introduction of potent scents, such as those remaining on bodies from interactions with cinnamon, into living quarters.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Yes, cinnamon sticks work very well as a natural ant repellent. Just place them in a few areas around your home were you have seen ants, such as window sills, corners in the bathroom, etc.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What does cinnamon do to ants?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Why does cinnamon repel ants?

only sugar ants


What spice do you use to get rid of ants?

Ants hate cinnamon. If it is to keep them out of the house, just put down ground cinnamon where they enter and they will keep out. Cheap, easy & safe...


How do you make ant stay away from your garden?

Ants don't like cinnamon so if you plant a cinnamon tree will they stay away?


Do ants like cinnamon?

No. Ants do not like cinnamon. If you have ants in your house, try to find the main source of them and put cinnamon sticks around it. (and in places they may exit through) If they attempt again, put a natural repel around. Also, make sure not to leave trash or sweet stuff around. Hope this helps! :)


How get rid of ants?

Lavender, mint, chillies, cinnamon and eucalyptus are all natural ant repellents. this article has more helpful ideas:http://www.thebugsquad.com/ants/getting-rid-of-ants-fast


Why do Wiccans use cinnamon?

Cinnamon has many properties and Wiccans who are trained will utilize various herbs, such as cinnamon to create and cast spells of power, healing, health, and various other spells. Cinnamon is also good for the heart, and is good for keeping ants out of the house.


Why do fire ants smell like cinnamon?

Just as humans are less capable of tolerating certain substances, ants are less tolerant of some substances humans are fine with (most humans have no issues with moderate amounts of cinnamon). Unfortunately there is little information on the specific reason that makes ants dislike cinnamon, but there are a few basic theories.Ants cannot digest the cinnamonAnts are made sick by the cinnamonJust plain doesn't smell good to antsPhysically interferes with ants sense of smell/navigationAt this point, it seems that research on this subject is a low priority and the actual reasons why cinnamon sometimes repels ants will probably remain a mystery until a group of interested people get funding to study it.


Can garlic be used as an ant killer?

Yes, using cloves of garlic along with cinnamon is said to help get rid of ants by discouraging them from entering your home or dwelling. The ants do not like the garlic, so they will not enter when garlic is present.


How do you keep ants out of bee hive naturaly?

Use Ground Cinnamon, sprinkle around the base of the hive and also under the top telescoping lid


What are ants scared of?

Hey i just did a science fair project on this and i used salt, cinnamon, and baby powder. The best solution for getting rid of ants and repelling them is baby powder!!


How do you keep ants off of a carved pumpkin?

i haven't tried it myself but i read online that you can spread cinnamon inside of it or sprinkle a chalk line around it. either may work


What repells ants?

baking powder baking soda and cinnamon and salt we used salt in our house works like a charm