Does cinnamon deter ants?

I keep seeing ants near my kitchen window. Does cinnamon deter ants, or is that just an old home remedy?

Cinnamon has a strong smell, and many home remedies for ants aim to disrupt their scent trails. Ants rely on these scent trails to lead other ants to food. When you sprinkle cinnamon across an entry point, it may confuse or slow them down for a short time.

Does cinnamon kill ants?

In most cases, no. Ground cinnamon does not usually kill ants. Certain concentrated forms may affect them on contact, but typical pantry cinnamon is unlikely to eliminate an ant infestation.

DIY methods like this may offer short-term relief, but they rarely address the root cause. If ants have found their way inside, there’s usually a nest nearby or an easy food source drawing them in, and you may need professional ant control.