Cinnamon Insect Repellent
Cinnamon is a classic fall scent that many people automatically associate with a warm apple pie baking. However, it’s undeniable that cinnamon is a strong odor. For many pests, it’s even a deterrent. But how can you use it, and what does it repel? Let’s discuss!
Does Cinnamon Repel Bugs?
Cinnamon can repel certain types of bugs. It has an intense aroma that’s overwhelming to some insects. They’ll then seek refuge elsewhere to get away from the odor. If you’re looking to eliminate bugs already in the area, they may leave, but cinnamon won’t kill them.
The leaves of a cinnamon plant contain eugenol, over 80 percent of it to be exact. Certain insects don’t enjoy this compound and will naturally try to stay away from it if at all possible.
Fortunately, cinnamon is natural, so you may use it if you don’t want to spray chemicals in your home to prevent bugs. In most cases, wiping a few items down with cinnamon or sprinkling cinnamon powder won’t harm you or your family. In some quantities, even if your dog or cat should happen to ingest it, they’ll be fine. It’s not known to be toxic to them. In large quantities, though, it could make them ill but not fatally sick.
If you inhale too much of the powder or even the oil’s fragrance, it could irritate the mucous membrane in your nasal passageways or lungs.
What Bugs Does Cinnamon Repel?
Before you begin sprinkling cinnamon everywhere and scrubbing everything down with cinnamon essential oils, you may wonder which types of insects you can keep away with it.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are more than a nuisance. They can bite you and your family. While they’d prefer to feast on you, they’re not above biting your pets. Fortunately, cinnamon can help repel these pests.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are known to bite and spread disease, making it essential for you to keep them out of your home and even away from your outdoor areas. Cinnamon may help reduce their presence.
Silverfish
Silverfish won’t bite or spread disease. They, however, may freak you out with their appearance, and they can be damaging to your belongings. They’re partial to warm, moist areas, including your bathroom. Cinnamon is known to deter these pests.
Ants
Some ants will bite you. Other will eat your food. On the other hand, some are destructive to your home.
The strong odor emitted by cinnamon is enough to keep them away and protect you and your home.
Bees and Wasps
Many species of bees and wasps are pollinators, ensuring many flowers and fruits can reproduce, including onions. This is why some people prefer not to kill them, especially honeybees, which are endangered and one of the most important pollinators in the world.
They don’t tend to sting unless threatened, but you may still want to keep them away. You can do so with the use of cinnamon.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches have a very keen sense of smell and the scent of cinnamon can be very overpowering to them. Cockroaches also despise the scents of garlic and peppermint.
How to Use Cinnamon to Repel Insects
There are various ways you can use cinnamon to repel insects.
Cinnamon-Scented Candle
Burn a cinnamon-scented candle when you’re outdoors. You may use one with either an artificial fragrance or a natural one, though the natural one will work better.
Burn Cinnamon Sticks
You may burn cinnamon sticks when you’re outside. You could also purchase cinnamon-scented incense. If you burn these while enjoying the outdoors, the insects will stay away.
Use Cinnamon Essential Oils
The aroma of cinnamon essential oils will keep insects away. You can use them on your indoor or outdoor items. If you buy a pure cinnamon essential oil, it won’t stain. It will evaporate before it has time to leave an oil mark.
You can dip cloth strips in the oil and place it inside or outside to keep pests away.
Cinnamon Powder
The powder will irritate the lungs, mouth, and nose of pests.
Sprinkle a bit of it in the corners of areas where you’ve noticed pests recently or in the past.
Place it in the corners of your cupboards or around small spaces where insects can enter your home.
If you’re having trouble with pests in your children’s sandbox, you can mix the cinnamon with the sand. It won’t hurt your children, even inhaling it, as long as it’s not in an overwhelming amount. It will, however, keep the pests from bothering your kids as they play.
Don’t let bugs ruin your outdoor activities or interfere with you feeling safe and content inside your home. You can use cinnamon, in different forms, as a natural repellant. This can alleviate the need for toxic repellents that could be dangerous to you, your family, or your pets.
