Don't worry about ants invading your home this spring as this simple trick will keep them at bay09:57, 29 May 2026As the temperatures continue to rise in the UK, a number of households will be keeping their doors and windows open to allow breezes to flow through. However, a downside to airing out homes is that it’s a prime opportunity for pests and insects to sneak their way into homes.‌The likes of ants making an appearance is all too common, but there is a way households can deter them without causing any harm. Cleaning guru and TikTok creator Chantel Mila, more popularly known as Mama Mila, recently shared some simple pest deterrent hacks that everyone can put to good use.‌Instead of using chemical products to get rid of ants, Chantel recommends using a common spice typically found in a kitchen cupboard. To keep ants at bay, you’ll want to use cinnamon.‌To get the most out of the cinnamon, Chantel mixes water and cinnamon in a spray bottle. Spray the solution around your windows and entryways to your home to repel ants away.Cinnamon will help drive them away from an infested area, but cinnamon will also not kill ants, so you don’t have to worry about harming the insects. Nathan Kruger, owner of D-termination Pest Control, told The Spruce: “This aromatic spice acts as an olfactory deterrent, repelling ants without causing them immediate harm.”‌The reason the spice works well as a deterrent is down to a natural compound called cinnamaldehyde. This compound will interfere with the way ants communicate.According to The Spruce: “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.”Content cannot be displayed without consent‌You can also use cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon on its own as well. Simply sprinkle the ground along any visible ant trails, as well as on windowsills and in doorways.If you’re using cinnamon sticks, place a few in areas in your pantry, cabinets, or any corners where ants are likely to convene.Another TikTok creator agreed with the idea of using cinnamon as a deterrent. Georgia, better known as Clean with Georgia, recommends placing cinnamon sticks or oil at various entry points around the house.‌She said: “It’s a hot spice and they do not like it. This also deters ants as well, so it’s a great little hack.”Spray the solution on any areas of the house and the pests will stay away. Cinnamon can be added to homemade cleaning solutions as well.Cinnamon can help clean due to its antibacterial content and its deodorising properties. It can help by neutralising bad and unwanted odours.Article continues belowIts potent antibacterial and antifungal properties can also help kill or stop the growth of microbes, making it a natural disinfectant. When it comes to getting rid of unpleasant smells, cinnamon can help mask it with its aroma.