The presence of small, winged insects buzzing around houseplants or fruit bowls is a common annoyance for many homeowners. People often seek effective, natural remedies for their control. A frequent query is whether the familiar kitchen spice, cinnamon, can be used to combat these indoor invaders. This natural ingredient offers a utility that is highly specific to controlling certain types of household gnats.
Distinguishing Common Household Gnats
Before applying any remedy, it is necessary to identify the specific type of insect causing the issue, as cinnamon targets only one of the common culprits. The two most frequent pests mistakenly called gnats are Fungus Gnats and Fruit Flies, and they have distinct breeding habitats.
Fungus Gnats are typically found near plants and moist potting soil, appearing dark gray or black with slender bodies and long, thin legs. They are weak flyers that tend to hover close to the soil surface. Fruit Flies, in contrast, are generally attracted to fermenting produce, sugary liquids, and kitchen drains. These pests have a tan to brownish-yellow color, a more rounded body shape, and noticeable red eyes.
How Cinnamon Works as a Gnat Repellent
Cinnamon does not instantly kill adult gnats, but functions as a potent environmental control agent. The spice contains cinnamaldehyde, which is recognized for its natural antifungal properties.
Fungus gnat larvae thrive on the fungi and mold that grow in overly moist potting soil. When cinnamon is applied to the soil surface, the cinnamaldehyde inhibits the growth of the fungi by disrupting the fungal cell wall. By eliminating this primary food source, the larvae are starved, effectively breaking the gnat’s life cycle. The strong aroma also repels adult female gnats, discouraging them from laying eggs in the soil.
Methods for Applying Cinnamon for Pest Control
The most effective way to use cinnamon is by creating a physical and chemical barrier on the surface of the houseplant soil. A generous layer of powdered cinnamon should be sprinkled across the top of the potting mix, ensuring the entire surface is covered. For a more intensive application, cinnamon essential oil can be diluted with water and applied directly to the soil as a drench. Since the cinnamon’s effect is concentrated in the top layer, reapplication is necessary after watering the plant to maintain a continuous barrier. This method targets the larvae in the soil and should be paired with other methods to manage flying adults.
Other Simple Home Solutions for Gnat Infestations
While cinnamon is specific for fungus gnats, a comprehensive approach requires controlling other species and the flying adults. A simple, effective solution for trapping adult gnats and fruit flies is an apple cider vinegar (ACV) trap. This involves combining a small amount of ACV with a few drops of liquid dish soap in a shallow container.
The gnats are attracted to the fermenting smell of the vinegar, and the dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing the insects to fall in and drown. For immediate control of flying adults, a spray bottle containing a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap can be used. The soap coats the flying insects, disrupting their ability to fly.