🐜 My Nana Swears by This Trick to Drive Ants Out for Good

A Simple, Natural Remedy That Really Works

You know those old-fashioned remedies your grandma used that always seemed to work, even when modern methods failed? Well, this one is no exception. When it comes to getting rid of ants — for good — my nana had a trick up her sleeve that she swore by… and now, so do I.

It’s natural, non-toxic, easy to use, and surprisingly effective. Ready for it?

🥄 The Secret? Cinnamon

That’s right — plain ground cinnamon. The same spice that makes your oatmeal smell delicious is also an ant-repelling powerhouse, and here’s why it works:

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🧪 Why Cinnamon Works Against Ants

Ants rely heavily on scent trails to navigate. When one ant finds food, it leaves a pheromone trail for the rest to follow. Cinnamon disrupts that trail, confusing the colony and preventing others from following.

But it’s not just about blocking scent — cinnamon is also a strong natural irritant to ants. They hate crawling through it, so it works as both a repellent and a barrier.

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👵 Nana’s Cinnamon Trick: How to Use It

What You’ll Need:

• Ground cinnamon (from your spice rack or bulk store)

• Cotton balls or a small brush (optional)

• A vacuum or cloth (for prep)

Step-by-Step:

1. Clean the area first — Wipe up crumbs, spills, and any visible ant trails.

2. Sprinkle cinnamon generously along entry points:

   • Windowsills

   • Doorways

   • Baseboards

   • Cracks in the floor or wall

   • Around pet food bowls

3. Use cotton balls dipped in cinnamon oil for tight spaces like wall cracks or under appliances. (Optional upgrade Nana swears makes it extra strong!)

4. Repeat daily for a few days until ant activity stops.

🛑 Important: Use caution around light-colored surfaces, as cinnamon can stain.

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🌿 Why Choose Cinnamon Over Chemical Sprays?

• ✅ Kid- and pet-safe

• ✅ Smells great (no harsh chemical odors)

• ✅ Budget-friendly — you probably already have it

• ✅ Doesn’t kill ants aggressively — it repels and deters naturally

This makes it a perfect first line of defense before resorting to commercial options.

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👎 What Not to Do

• Don’t just kill a few ants and ignore the trail — they’ll keep coming back.

• Avoid spraying water or vinegar after applying cinnamon — it weakens the effect.

• Don’t skip sealing the entry point later if you want a long-term fix.

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✅ Bonus Tips from Nana

• Mix equal parts cinnamon and baking soda for extra odor control and added powder volume.

• Use cinnamon essential oil mixed with water in a spray bottle to refresh high-traffic zones.

• Combine with diatomaceous earth (another natural pest control) for severe infestations.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Ants are persistent — but so was my nana. Her cinnamon trick might sound too simple to work, but trust me: once you try it, you’ll see why generations have turned to this spice to keep the bugs at bay.

So next time you spot a line of ants marching across your kitchen counter, skip the store-bought spray and reach for the cinnamon instead. Nana knew best — and now, so do you.