Does Cinnamon Kill Ants? We Asked Pest Pros What They Recommend to Banish Ants for Good

As more people look for natural, non-toxic alternatives to chemical pesticides, cinnamon is gaining attention as a safer, eco-friendly way to keep pests at bay—especially for mild infestations or as part of a bigger pest control plan.

Here’s how it works—and how it stacks up against other natural bug blockers.

Does Cinnamon Kill Ants?

No, cinnamon won’t kill ants. Think of it less like poison and more like an eviction notice—it helps drive ants away from an infested area, but it won’t wipe them out completely.

“This aromatic spice acts as an olfactory deterrent, repelling ants without causing them immediate harm,” Nathan Kruger, owner of D-termination Pest Control, says.

Moral of the story: think of cinnamon as part of a bigger strategy: it won’t finish the fight, but it’ll help you gain ground.

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How Does Cinnamon Deter Ants?

Cinnamon’s secret weapon is a natural compound called cinnamaldehyde. It interferes with the way ants communicate.

“Ants rely on chemical signals called pheromones,” Kruger says. “These scent trails act like invisible roadmaps, guiding other ants to food sources or problem areas.”

Cinnamaldehyde disrupts these trails, making it harder for ants to navigate and coordinate. Without a reliable scent path to follow, they get disoriented, lose track of food, and ultimately abandon the area.

“Imagine trying to navigate through a dense mist where familiar landmarks become obscured,” Kruger explains.

How to Use Cinnamon

• Ground Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon along any visible ant trails or near spots like windowsills and doorways.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Drop cinnamon sticks in your pantry, cabinets, or any corners where ants like to hang out.
• Cinnamon and Water Spray: Make a simple spray by mixing cinnamon essential oil with water, and spritz it around entry points.

Other Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home

Whether you’re not a fan of cinnamon’s scent, looking to save a few bucks, or need something with a little more firepower, there are plenty of other natural ways to keep ants from invading. Here are some top alternatives:

Essential Oils

Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus aren’t just great for aromatherapy—they’re also a natural way to keep ants at bay, working in the same trail-disrupting ways as cinnamon.

“Unlike chemical sprays or pesticides, which may harm humans or pets if misused, these natural options offer peace of mind while effectively deterring ants without causing harm to anyone,” Kruger explains.

How to Use Essential Oil: Mix 10-20 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle (add a tablespoon of vinegar for an extra boost of power) and apply it to areas where ants are active.

Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (or DE, for short) might sound like something born out of a science lab, but it’s actually a naturally occurring powder made of diatoms, the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. Under a microscope, the chalky powder looks like tiny shards of glass. It’s brutal on bugs, but don’t fret, when used properly, it’s 100% safe for people and pets.

When ants march through DE, the powder sticks to them and starts soaking up the oils and moisture from their exoskeletons, drying them out and eventually killing them.

If you’re aiming to wipe out ants instead of just confusing them, diatomaceous earth is a solid pick. And with zero scent, it’s great if you’re sensitive to smells.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where ants are present, such as baseboards and under appliances.

Vinegar

This potent pantry staple can repel ants in much the same way cinnamon does—by disrupting the pheromone trails ants rely on to navigate. But unlike cinnamon, its acidity can actually kill ants on contact.

Cheap, easy to find, and safe for both people and pets, vinegar is a convenient way to deal with ants without needing to buy anything special.  Plus, it doubles as a cleaner and deodorizer—just don’t use it on porous surfaces like marble or natural stone.

The downside? Vinegar doesn’t offer long-lasting protection and needs to be reapplied often to stay effective. And while it can handle a few stray ants, it’s not powerful enough to wipe out larger infestations or reach the nest.