Why You Should Consider Leaving Some Cinnamon Sticks On Your Windowsills

You probably purchase cinnamon from your local supermarket with the intention of using it to bake your favorite treats. There's a chance that you also incorporate it into your home decor during the holiday season. However, did you know that the popular spice can also be used as a barrier against ants? Believe it or not, these insects are not too fond of cinnamon, so it can be used to repel them. Consider placing a few sticks on your windowsills to keep ants from making their way into your home. So, how does cinnamon work as an affordable pest control solution? They hate the strong smell it gives off, and they'll typically try to avoid it.

This means that ants should avoid coming in through your window sills if you lay cinnamon sticks down there. If you are not a fan of using traditional bug repellent sprays that give off harsh fumes, you may want to give this a try instead. Keep in mind that although it can be fun to experiment with nontraditional pest control solutions, aggressive ant infestations should be handled by professionals. It is also important to note that cinnamon does not kill ants. This is likely great news for those who prefer humane pest control treatments. However, homeowners dealing with severe infestations might want to stick with conventional ant control methods given the cinnamon is not fatal to the insects.

To use this cinnamon hack to keep ants away from your windowsills, you will need to start out by cleaning the area with a damp cloth. It is important to remove any potential food sources for ants that may have settled there, such as crumbs or other debris. After your window sills have dried completely, line the area with a few cinnamon sticks. 

There is scientific evidence out there that supports the use of this method. In a 2013 study, cinnamon sticks were put to the test to determine whether they are an effective ant repellant. The sticks were placed near openings, and they were found to keep the insects out due to their strong scent (via the International Journal of Bioassays). If you do not like the idea of leaving cinnamon sticks visible in your windowsills, you should know that a 2014 study revealed that cinnamon essential oil is also an effective insect repellent (via the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications). Simply apply a few drops of the oil along your window sills after you have cleaned them or soak a few cotton balls in the oil and place them there. You will need to reapply the oil once you notice the fragrance has faded away.