Discover five easy and natural ways to repel ants and other invasive insects—no harsh chemicals needed.
Are you tired of ants invading your kitchen or flies buzzing around your dining room? Before reaching for insecticide spray, consider a healthier, more eco-friendly alternative: cinnamon.
More than just a delicious spice, cinnamon’s strong aroma makes it a powerful natural insect repellent. Learn how to use it strategically to protect your home—safely and effectively.
Cinnamon: A Natural Repellent for Ants and Silverfish
Cinnamon is surprisingly effective at keeping insects away. If your home is dealing with an ant problem, here’s a simple solution:
Mix 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in a bucket of cold water.
Use this solution to clean floors, countertops, and door frames.
The strong scent disrupts the pheromone trails ants use to navigate, causing them to avoid these areas.
You can also sprinkle dry ground cinnamon directly into cracks or entry points. Ants will quickly alter their route to avoid it.
Cinnamon also repels silverfish, which are highly sensitive to strong smells. Try this method:
Take small pieces of aluminum foil and fill them with ground cinnamon and whole cloves.
Seal them like mini packets and poke holes in them using a fork.
Place these sachets in drawers, on shelves, or under the sink.
This combo acts as a long-lasting, low-maintenance repellent.
For additional protection, place small bowls of water with a few drops of lavender essential oil in problem areas. Lavender’s scent also keeps many insects at bay.
Other Natural Tips to Get Rid of Common Insects
Cinnamon isn’t the only pantry ingredient that works against pests. Here are a few more natural solutions for different types of insects:
For Flies:
Create a natural fly repellent with:
Water
Apple cider vinegar
A few lemon slices
5 whole cloves
Pour the mixture into a glass and place it in the corners of your room. The smell will deter flies quickly and effectively.
For Cockroaches:
Roaches dislike strong citrus and alcohol aromas. Try this:
Wet a citrus peel (like lemon or orange) and cut it into small pieces.
Place the pieces in a bowl.
Add a splash of alcohol and fresh lemon juice.
Set the bowl under furniture or in other problem areas.
The evaporating scent acts as a potent, natural repellent.
For Mosquitoes:
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