Cinnamon Oil
Quick Facts
- Type
- Essential oil / Botanical
- Source
- Steam-distilled from bark or leaves of Cinnamomum species
- OMRI Listed
- Yes ✓
- Bee Safe
- Yes
- Pet Safe
- Caution
- Residual
- Short — 4-8 hours; cinnamaldehyde is reactive and degrades
- Best For
- Fungus gnat control in potting soil (cinnamon powder dusted on surface). Fire ant mound treatment.
What Is Cinnamon Oil?
Contains cinnamaldehyde (bark oil) or eugenol (leaf oil) — both potent contact toxins that disrupt insect cell membranes and act as fumigants. Cinnamaldehyde also has strong antifungal properties.
Source: Steam-distilled from bark or leaves of Cinnamomum species
What Pests Does Cinnamon Oil Kill?
Cinnamon Oil is effective against the following pests:
How to Apply Cinnamon Oil
Best for: Fungus gnat control in potting soil (cinnamon powder dusted on surface). Fire ant mound treatment.
Avoid for: Foliar spray on any plant you want to keep. Households with cats.
Residual activity: Short — 4-8 hours; cinnamaldehyde is reactive and degrades
Safety Profile
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bee Safety | 🟢 Safe for bees |
| Pet Safety | 🔴 Use caution around pets |
| Overall Rating | Caution — Use with caution — timing and technique matter |
Why Isn't Cinnamon Oil Working?
If Cinnamon Oil isn't delivering results, check these common failure modes:
Highly phytotoxic — cinnamaldehyde burns leaves readily
Bark oil vs leaf oil have different compounds and potency
Skin and mucous membrane irritant — handle carefully
Toxic to cats (contains cinnamaldehyde and/or eugenol)
DIY Cinnamon Oil Recipe
For fungus gnats: Dust ground cinnamon on the surface of potting soil. For ants: Mix 5 drops cinnamon bark oil + 1 teaspoon soap per quart of water; apply directly to ant mounds.
Best Cinnamon Oil Products
EcoSMART Ant Killer
SprayCinnamon + clove oil blend