3 myths about keeping ants out of your house

Don't bother with cinnamon. The post 3 myths about keeping ants out of your house appeared first on Popular Science .

6 April 2026 at 05:42 pm

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3 myths about keeping ants out of your house

As spring approaches, gardens bloom with flowers and kitchens may unwittingly attract unwelcome visitors: ants. With an estimated 20 quadrillion ants on Earth, weighing more than every wild bird and mammal combined, it's no surprise that ants occasionally make their way into homes. While their presence can be inconvenient, it doesn't necessarily indicate a dirty house. This and other common myths about ants have been debunked by research.

One prevalent belief is that ants indicate a dirty home. Tanya Latty, a professor at the University of Sydney, clarified in an article for The Conversation that finding a few ants in your home doesn't mean your house is unclean. "We simply live on a planet that is absolutely teeming with ants," she wrote. While cleanliness is important in preventing infestations, it's not a foolproof method. Storing food in airtight containers, regularly cleaning hard-to-reach areas like under the fridge and stove, and minimizing food residue can help deter ants. However, even small crumbs or spilled sugary drinks can attract them due to their tiny stomachs.

Another myth is that spraying bug killers is the best way to deal with ants. While pesticides can be effective, they may not be the most practical or environmentally friendly solution. Ants are crucial to ecosystems, playing roles in seed dispersal and controlling pests. Additionally, overusing pesticides can lead to resistance and harm non-target species, including beneficial insects and even pets.

A third myth is that cinnamon is an effective ant repellent. While some ants might avoid cinnamon, it's not a reliable method for keeping them out of your home. Ants are attracted to sweet and protein-rich foods, and cinnamon's scent may not deter them consistently. Instead, focusing on reducing food sources and sealing entry points is a more effective strategy.

In conclusion, ants are a natural and common presence on Earth, and their appearance in homes doesn't reflect cleanliness. To manage ants effectively, prioritize cleanliness, minimize food attractants, and consider non-chemical, eco-friendly methods. By understanding the debunked myths, homeowners can approach ant problems with a more informed and sustainable approach.

Source: Popular Science

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