The Grandma-Approved Trick For Getting Rid of Bugs All Summer Long

Mosquito

It might not officially be summer yet (that happens on June 20), but it sure feels like the lazy season is upon us. And summer means warmer temperatures, fun days spent in the sun, plenty of cookouts—and a lot of pests and bugs. There’s nothing worse than feeling like your skin is being sought out by every mosquito on the block. And don’t get us started on that fresh bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter that's already riddled with fruit flies.

Depending on which region you live in, summertime bugs can be a real hassle, but there's one person who usually knows what to do to keep bugs at bay: Grandma. And this time the grandma tip comes from the internet's favorite grandma herself, Brunch with Babs.

In a reel she recently shared to Instagram, Babs clues her viewers in on a Grandma-approved way to fight summer bugs—and you likely already have it in your kitchen. Bab’s caption asks viewers “What is the one ingredient in your spice cabinet that can keep you bug and rodent-free this summer?” To which she exclaims, “Yes! Cinnamon.”

Why Is Cinnamon So Effective Against Bugs and Rodents?

Cinnamon acts as a natural repellent in quite an obvious way. Just as it is difficult for a human to swallow a spoonful of cinnamon (we all remember that silly challenge), when some bugs breathe in cinnamon it can lead to suffocation and death. And even if the effects aren't deadly, the strong scent of cinnamon can be enough to make bugs head in the other direction.

One of the reasons cinnamon is so effective against bugs is because it contains an aromatic compound known as eugenol that's also found in most insect repellants. Eugenol is very powerful and effective in killing insects through targeting the nervous system.

How to Use Cinnamon to Fight Bugs and Rodents All Summer Long

For those pesky raccoons that are always getting into the trash cans, Babs recommends sprinkling a light layer of ground cinnamon on both the bottom of the trash can and on top of the lid. “Bye-bye, racoons,” she says.

To get rid of the fruit flies that love to hover around the bowls of fruit left on the countertop, all you need to do is toss in a few cinnamon sticks with the fruit and you’ll be “fruit-fly free.”

And if mosquitos are living on your skin rent-free, Babs' simple cinnamon spray is apparently all the ammunition you need. Just whisk 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon with 4 cups of warm water and let it sit and steep as you would with tea. Next, get your spray bottle open and pour the cinnamon mixture through a sieve right into the bottle. Add ½ teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and ½ teaspoon of dish detergent, shake well and spray away.

The best part is, it’s safe to use on your skin, smells great and it can work on pretty much any surface around the house. (Because cinnamon can be staining, it's a good idea to test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of light clothing or light-colored kitchen surfaces to make sure you're good to go.)

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