Another Insect Repellant – It’s in Your Pantry….CINNAMON

Living in the beautiful Sunshine State, especially the Greater Tampa Bay area, has lots to offer. One that tops the list is being able to enjoy the outdoors year-round. However, not only do we enjoy our tropical climate, but mosquitoes and many other biting insects do as well.

Did you know that a simple, common spice that’s probably in your pantry can actually help repel mosquitoes and other biting and/or pesky insects such as Bed Bugs, Silverfish, Ants, Bees, Flies / Fruit Flies, Wasps, Spiders and Cockroaches. Yes, simple cinnamon is a common and economical tool that you can use to help facilitate repelling these insects.

Facts

Cinnamon’s intense aroma is overwhelming to insects and as a result they will seek a new home and breeding ground away from you. Cinnamon is natural and non-toxic so it will not kill our friendly pollinators such as bees.

How to Use Cinnamon as a Repellant

There are many varieties of cinnamon that are widely available that will assist in repelling these pesky biters. Some common variations include:

Cinnamon Powder

Cinnamon powder, commonly found in our pantries, will irritate the pest’s mouth, nose and lungs, sending them on their way to find a new home.

You can place some of this powder in small cups in your cupboard/cabinets or around small spaces where insects can enter your home.

For spiders, sprinkle some ground cinnamon around spider nests and for bugs in the soil sprinkle some in the soil.

Same goes for children’s play areas such as their sandbox. Just sprinkle one tablespoon in an average sandbox 4x4’ and mix it with a rake to evenly distribute. Not only will the cinnamon repel mosquitoes and other biters, it has been known to kill mosquito larvae/eggs. You will then have peace of mind knowing that your children can play with extra, natural repellant, instead of typical bug sprays that can be sticky, smelly, irritating and are not long-lasting.

Cinnamon Scented Candles

Buy some cinnamon scented candles that you can light indoors and outdoors on your patio, dock or lanai. Not only will you have a pleasant aroma, you will be repelling pesky, biting insects away from you.

Cinnamon Sticks

Purchase some cinnamon sticks or cinnamon scented incense that you can burn while you are enjoying your outdoors. These can be simply placed in your fire pit or a decorative holder.

These can also be placed indoors under basins, near windows and doors to deter insects from entering your home.

Cinnamon Oil

This essential oil, will not stain as it evaporates. You can mix it with essential oils or water and spray on both indoor and outdoor items. Best yet, it is known to eradicate mosquito larvae from hatching, thus controlling the mosquito population.

When diluted this can also be sprayed on bushes and plants. 2 cups of water and 20 drops of cinnamon oil should do the trick.

What Else Can You Do?

While not a permanent, long-term solution, keeping your yard neat and tidy free from standing water, and using ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks and oils, will only help your mosquito abatement efforts.

For a longer-term and permanent solution, you can contact Mosquito Squad of Tampa Bay to compliment your own efforts to ensure your home and property is free from biting insects.

Mosquito Squad offers both routine barrier treatments and automatic misting systems, custom designed to meet your outdoor living needs. Both eradicate these and many other pesky biters. We offer both traditional and all-natural solutions.

No contracts are required and you will be charged on the date of service, after the application has been completed. Think about that, no up-front costs or long-term commitments or contracts.

Mosquito Squad can be reached via email at tampabay@mosquitosquad.com or 813-502-0505.

Don’t delay, contact us today to help you FIGHT THE BITE so you and your family can enjoy your outdoors.