Bugs can be tough to deal with, especially in the summer. But at the same time, chemical sprays and repellents (which can have side effects that most people don't realize) don't seem like the ideal option. That's where kitchen ingredients and grandma's recipes come in handy. Babs, a popular internet personality known on Instagram as @brunchwithbabs, helps you ward off bugs with a secret ingredient found in most kitchen cabinets.
In the video, the woman asks, “Did your mom ever tell you her secret ingredient to keep bugs away all summer?” to which she excitedly replies, “Cinnamon.” She pulls out two jars of cinnamon powder and instructs, “Use ground cinnamon to keep maggots, flies and small animals out of your trash can. Sprinkle a little on the bottom and don't forget the lid. Just a little sprinkle. Say goodbye to raccoons.” Babs further explains in the caption, “Those small animals hate the smell and powdery texture of cinnamon.” For fruit flies, you can use cinnamon sticks. “Just put a couple of cinnamon sticks in your fruit bowl and you'll keep fruit flies away all summer,” she points out.
“Keep mosquitoes away with my cinnamon spray,” the sweet lady revealed. “To make the spray, simply mix 2 teaspoons of cinnamon into 4 cups of hot water and let it steep for at least a few hours, like making tea,” she added. “Strain the liquid so it doesn't clog your spray bottle. Pour the cinnamon 'tea' into a spray bottle and add rubbing alcohol and dish soap. Shake to mix and spray.” Grandma cheerfully pointed out, “This keeps mosquitoes away and is safe for you too.” In the caption, she also left a little note about why the remedy works.
“Cinnamon naturally contains eugenol, an aromatic compound often found in traditional bug repellents,” she wrote. The video has been viewed more than 52.8 million times, with people commenting in the comments section how helpful the method was and how they'd like to try it for themselves this summer. @garden_of_blake commented, “It really works! I use cinnamon all over my garden. It keeps the ants away too,” while @ivyprosper commented, “Tried this last year. It doesn't work in Ghana. The bugs here are like gangsters and just laugh at us.”
@amycakes608 commented, “Do you think it's safe to spray this on or near fruit trees? I want to pick my peaches this year before the pests eat them!” @chickpea_blind commented, “When you said it was cinnamon, you sounded like Grandma Lorax bragging about a tree that grows all seasons.” @superiodealzone commented, “Thank you for this info. Cinnamon is great for so many things and can help with diabetes, but the 'authorities' don't want people to know about it.” @fricketynick warned, “Most of this is great, but don't use cinnamon on your skin unless it's prescribed by a professional. Cinnamon can actually burn your skin if you're not careful.”
For more lifestyle content, follow Babs on Instagram (@brunchwithbabs).
