The Most Affordable Cinnamon To Use As Pest Control

Cinnamon is a safe and effective method to control pests, including ants, mosquitoes, mice, rats, raccoons, and squirrels. Yet, not all cinnamon is the same and can have vastly different price points. Some of these variations affect their affordability, which is important to know when using the spice in large amounts for pest control. Cassia and Ceylon are the two main types on the market. Both repel insects and rodents in a few ways. 

The strong, spicy scent of cinnamon is unpleasant to many insects and rodents. This is because cinnamon contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which have insecticidal and repellent properties. In addition, cinnamon also has a bitter taste. This can deter pests from gathering in areas treated with cinnamon. It can also be irritating to insects and rodents, causing them to avoid areas where cinnamon is present.

Though cassia and Ceylon cinnamon can achieve similar outcomes in terms of pest control, cassia serves as the more cost-effective option. This largely comes down to the production process for each.

Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon differ slightly in look and taste. Cassia cinnamon is reddish brown and has a strong and spicy flavor. Ceylon has a mild and sweet taste and is tannish brown. The most affordable cinnamon is cassia cinnamon, produced in China and Indonesia. It is more widely available and less expensive than Ceylon cinnamon, making it the more economical choice.

The differing price points primarily have to do with availability. 80 percent of the world's Ceylon cinnamon is produced in Sri Lanka. According to Business Insider, one pound of Ceylon cinnamon quills can cost $27 since it requires a slow process performed by highly skilled workers. As a result, Ceylon can cost ten times the price of cassia. However, up to 90 percent of cinnamon imported to the United States is cassia cinnamon. It is available as a ground powder and also in the form of cinnamon sticks.

Using powdered cinnamon is more affordable for pest control than cinnamon sticks. This is mainly because powdered cinnamon is easier to produce and distribute than cinnamon sticks. In addition to being cheaper, powdered cinnamon has some advantages. It can be sprinkled in multiple areas around the home, which can help release more of its active ingredients into the air.

To use powdered cinnamon for pest control, sprinkle it around the base of plants to deter ants, aphids, and other pests. You can also mix powdered cinnamon with water and spray it on plants to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. Another option is to sprinkle powdered cinnamon on carpets and bedding to repel fleas and ticks or place a dish of powdered cinnamon in your pantry or cabinets to deter weevils, ants, and other pests.

Cinnamon sticks have their own pros when used for pest control. The sticks themselves contain a stronger concentration of cinnamon oil. This helps them exude a more pungent aroma to keep bugs and animals at bay better. The scent can also become stronger by placing the sticks in the microwave along with a tablespoon of water for 15 seconds.