Does Cinnamon Oil Repel Mosquitoes?

Cinnamon is nothing more than a specific type of tree bark. It is used across the world for medicine, flavoring, fragrances, and more.

The unique and comforting flavor and smell associated with cinnamon are the result of chemicals within the bark — cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, eugenol, and anethole.

In our never-ending quest to find the best household items that repel mosquitoes, today we’re looking at whether or not cinnamon oil can repel mosquitoes.

Does Cinnamon Oil Repel Mosquitoes?

Cinnamon oil does repel mosquitoes! It’s actually one of the most effective natural substances at doing so.

According to the American Chemical Society, cinnamon oil is a promising, environmentally-friendly way to repel and kill mosquitoes.

Most species of cinnamon trees grow in warm and tropical places where hundreds of bugs feed on (and kill) plants. Over time, the cinnamon tree adapted to produce chemicals that repel harmful bugs, including mosquitoes.

How to Use Cinnamon Oil to Repel Mosquitoes

Depending on your needs, you may want to use cinnamon oil as a spot spray around your outdoor areas or as a topical repellent when you’re outside.

Localized Spray

The easiest way to use cinnamon oil to repel mosquitoes is to use it as a spot spray.

You can make your own cinnamon oil spray by diluting about 10 drops of cinnamon essential oil in a spray bottle with 30-40 mL of water. Or, you could look for a premade spray.

There are some premade cinnamon oil sprays that already exist. These should work as long as they are not artificially scented, so make sure to pay attention to the ingredients!

Spray areas that you want to keep mosquitoes away from, such as outdoor furniture, picnic tables, or even your garden.

Topical Use

When using any mosquito-repelling essential oil topically, you’ll need to dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.

For the most benefit, we recommend diluting it in a carrier oil that is good for your skin, such as coconut oil or olive oil.

Will Cinnamon Oil Kill Mosquitoes in Standing Water?

Yes – cinnamon oil is great at killing mosquito larvae! It’s actually more effective at killing larvae than it is at repelling mosquitoes.

A study out of Taiwan found that cinnamon oil works great to kill mosquito larvae in standing water. This is all thanks to the high concentration of cinnamaldehyde.

While cinnamon oil will repel adult mosquitoes, it isn’t likely to kill them. As mosquitoes mature, they develop a hard exoskeleton that makes them more resistant to chemicals.

Mosquito larvae do not have this, so exposure to high levels of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon oil penetrates their skin and poisons them.

Will the Smell of Cinnamon Attract Other Pests?

There is no evidence that cinnamon attracts pests of any kind. People have reported it being effective at not only deterring mosquitoes, but cockroaches, fruit flies, ants, and even squirrels!

If you have some cinnamon oil or even ground cinnamon, you should give it a shot as a natural mosquito repellent.

Looking for a Reliable Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent?

While cinnamon oil does effectively repel mosquitoes and kill mosquito larvae, you’re going to need a lot of cinnamon oil if you use this method on a regular basis.

Luckily, we’ve created a 100% safe and effective concentrate, when used as directed. It’s made of essential oils such as cedar, citronella, and rosemary, and is proven to kill 100% of mosquitoes within 24 hours!

If you’re tired of worrying about mosquito bites but want to steer clear of the traditional repellents, check out our mosquito repellent.