Does Cinnamon Repel Squirrels? The Truth Behind the Popular DIY Pest Control Method

  • By: TheWalledNursery
  • Time to read: 7 min.
Affiliate Disclaimer

The Walled Nursery Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you. Thank You for your support

Cinnamon is a popular spice that is used in baking, cooking, and even as a natural remedy for various ailments.

However, some people also believe that cinnamon can be used to keep squirrels away from their gardens and yards. But does cinnamon really work as a squirrel repellent?

According to some sources, cinnamon can indeed repel squirrels. Squirrels are said to dislike the smell of cinnamon, which makes it an effective natural deterrent.

Some people sprinkle ground cinnamon around their garden or yard, while others make a cinnamon spray using diluted essential oils.

However, it’s important to note that cinnamon may not work for everyone, and its effectiveness may vary depending on the situation.

What is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum family. It is a popular ingredient in many dishes, especially in baked goods, and is also used in some traditional medicines.

There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is also known as “true cinnamon,” and is considered to be of higher quality. It has a sweeter and more delicate flavor, and is lighter in color.

Cassia cinnamon, on the other hand, is more common and less expensive. It has a stronger and more pungent flavor, and is darker in color.

Cinnamon has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidant effects.

However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of cinnamon.

In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, cinnamon is also used in some household products. It is often found in air fresheners, candles, and potpourri, as it has a pleasant and comforting aroma.

Do Squirrels Like Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a popular spice that is commonly used in cooking and baking. However, it is also known to have a strong scent that can be used to repel pests such as squirrels. But do squirrels like cinnamon?

According to several sources, squirrels do not like the smell of cinnamon. In fact, they find it quite unpleasant and it can be used as a natural deterrent to keep them away from certain areas.

This is because cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which gives it a strong, spicy scent that can be overwhelming to squirrels and other pests.

While there is no scientific evidence to prove that cinnamon is 100% effective at repelling squirrels, many people have reported success in using it as a natural squirrel repellent.

However, it is important to note that cinnamon should not be used as the sole method of pest control and should be used in conjunction with other methods for the best results.

It is also important to note that while squirrels do not like the smell of cinnamon, it is not harmful to them.

In fact, cinnamon is a natural and humane way to repel squirrels without causing them any harm.

In summary, squirrels do not like the smell of cinnamon and it can be used as a natural deterrent to keep them away from certain areas.

However, it should be used in conjunction with other methods of pest control and is not a guaranteed solution.

How Does Cinnamon Affect Squirrels?

Cinnamon is a well-known spice that has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine. However, it is also known to have repellent properties that can be used to keep pests away.

Squirrels are not fond of the strong smell of cinnamon, which makes it an effective natural deterrent.

When squirrels come into contact with cinnamon, they may experience a burning sensation in their nose and eyes.

This can cause them to avoid areas where cinnamon has been applied. Additionally, the scent of cinnamon can be overwhelming to squirrels, causing them to become disoriented and confused.

Cinnamon can be used in various forms to repel squirrels, including ground cinnamon powder, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon essential oil.

Ground cinnamon powder can be sprinkled around the areas where squirrels are active, such as bird feeders or gardens. Cinnamon sticks can be placed in the soil or tied to trees to create a barrier that squirrels will avoid.

Cinnamon essential oil can be mixed with water to create a spray that can be applied to surfaces where squirrels have been active.

It is important to note that cinnamon may not be effective in all situations. Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, and if they are hungry enough, they may ignore the scent of cinnamon and continue to feed on bird feeders or gardens.

Additionally, cinnamon may need to be reapplied frequently, as its scent can dissipate over time.

In conclusion, cinnamon can be an effective natural repellent to keep squirrels away from certain areas. However, it may not work in all situations and may need to be reapplied frequently.

Using Cinnamon to Keep Squirrels Away

Cinnamon as a Repellent

Cinnamon is a natural and effective way to keep squirrels away from your garden or property.

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, and cinnamon has a strong scent that irritates their nose. As a result, they tend to avoid areas where cinnamon is present.

Cinnamon is a spice that is commonly used in cooking and baking. It is made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree. When ground into a powder, cinnamon can be used as a natural squirrel repellent.

How to Use Cinnamon to Keep Squirrels Away

There are several ways to use cinnamon to keep squirrels away. Here are some effective methods:

  1. Sprinkle cinnamon powder around your garden or property: Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon powder around the areas where squirrels are causing problems. This will create a barrier that squirrels will not want to cross.
  2. Make a cinnamon spray: Mix cinnamon essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the mixture around your garden or property. This will create a strong scent that squirrels will not like.
  3. Use cinnamon sticks: Place cinnamon sticks around your garden or property. This will create a natural barrier that squirrels will not want to cross.

It is important to note that cinnamon may not work for all types of squirrels. Some squirrels may be more tolerant of the scent than others.

Additionally, cinnamon should not be used as the sole method of squirrel control. It is best used in conjunction with other methods, such as fencing or netting.

In conclusion, cinnamon can be an effective natural squirrel repellent. It is easy to use and has a pleasant scent.

However, it should be used in conjunction with other methods and may not work for all types of squirrels.

Other Methods to Keep Squirrels Away

There are several methods to keep squirrels away from your garden or property. These methods include using physical barriers, traps, and natural repellents.

Physical Barriers

One way to keep squirrels away is to use physical barriers. This can include installing fences or netting around your garden or property.

You can also use chicken wire or hardware cloth to cover plants or trees that squirrels may be attracted to.

Another option is to use PVC pipes with a diameter of at least 3 inches around the trunks of trees to prevent squirrels from climbing up.

Traps

Trapping squirrels can be an effective method to remove them from your property. However, it is important to check local laws and regulations before using traps.

Live traps can be used to capture squirrels and then release them in a nearby wooded area.

Alternatively, lethal traps can be used to kill squirrels. It is important to use these traps carefully and responsibly to avoid harming other animals or pets.

Natural Repellents

There are several natural repellents that can be used to keep squirrels away.

In addition to cinnamon, other scents that squirrels dislike include peppermint, garlic, and vinegar.

You can use these scents in the form of sprays or by planting herbs such as peppermint or garlic around your garden.

You can also use predator urine or hair as a natural repellent. This can be purchased online or collected from a local pet store.

Overall, there are several methods to keep squirrels away from your garden or property. It is important to choose a method that is safe and effective for both the squirrels and other animals in the area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cinnamon can be an effective natural remedy to repel squirrels from your garden or yard.

While it may not work for every situation, many people have reported success with using cinnamon to deter squirrels.

Cinnamon can be used in various forms, such as ground powder, cinnamon sticks, or essential oil.

Sprinkling cinnamon around the perimeter of your garden or yard or creating a cinnamon spray can help keep squirrels away.

It’s important to note that cinnamon should be used in conjunction with other methods to ensure the best results.

For example, keeping your yard clean and free of fallen fruits or nuts can help reduce squirrel activity.

Additionally, it’s important to use caution when using cinnamon around pets or children. While cinnamon is generally safe, it can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Overall, while cinnamon may not be a foolproof solution, it can be a useful tool in your arsenal to keep squirrels away from your garden or yard.