Toss These 2 Spices in Your Trash Can to Keep Flies Away All Summer
To keep flies out of your trash can all summer, sprinkle cinnamon and cayenne pepper directly inside. Their strong scents repel flies, making your kitchen and outdoor bins far less attractive to these pests.
Have you ever noticed that the moment the weather warms up, flies seem to gather around your trash can? There’s a simple reason. Flies are drawn to leftover food, moisture, and organic waste. Your trash can is the perfect place for them to feed and lay eggs.
Houseflies are not just annoying. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), they can spread germs that cause diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, salmonellosis, conjunctivitis, and dysentery. That’s why keeping them away from your trash can help protect your health.1
Many people turn to chemical sprays or traps, but these come with drawbacks. Chemical sprays can leave behind toxic residues that are not safe for pets or children. The scent of these sprays can be overwhelming. Some traps may be effective, but they are often unsightly and need frequent replacement.
It’s no surprise that people are looking for natural, safer ways to solve the problem. This is where common spices like cinnamon and cayenne pepper come in.
Researchers and health expert often recommend natural scents as a first line of defense against household pests. Cinnamon and cayenne pepper are well-known in the pest control world for their ability to repel insects, including flies. They offer an effective, non-toxic alternative to chemical sprays.
Keep reading to learn more about why cinnamon and cayenne pepper work so well, and how to use them effectively in your trash can.
Why Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper Work
Both cinnamon and cayenne pepper have strong, distinctive scents. While most people enjoy the smell of cinnamon and may not even notice cayenne pepper, flies have a different reaction. These spices contain natural compounds that overwhelm a fly’s sensitive sense of smell.
Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde. This chemical gives cinnamon its signature aroma and also acts as a natural insect repellent. 2
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin. This is the same compound that gives chili peppers their heat, and it is irritating to flies.
When these two spices are sprinkled in your trash can, they create a barrier that flies will do anything to avoid.
How to Use Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper in Your Trash Can
Here’s how to get started:
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of ground cinnamon and a tablespoon of cayenne pepper directly into your trash can.
Focus on the bottom of the bin and around the rim where flies might enter. - You can also place the spices in a small open container or a mesh bag if you prefer less mess. Set it inside the trash can, under the liner.
- Repeat every two weeks or after each trash bag change to keep the scent strong and effective.
It’s that simple. The strong aroma will make flies turn away and search for food elsewhere.
Tips for Best Results
Using cinnamon and cayenne pepper works best as part of a bigger strategy:
- Take your trash out regularly. Flies are quick to find decaying food.
- Clean your trash can with soap and hot water once a week. This removes residue and food particles that attract flies.
- Always use a trash can with a lid. This makes it harder for flies to get inside.
- Wipe up spills or leaks around your trash area right away.
Together, these steps help keep your kitchen—and even outdoor bins—much more fly-free.
Can You Use These Spices Outdoors?
Yes. If you have an outdoor trash bin or compost bin, cinnamon and cayenne pepper work just as well. Use larger amounts if the bin is big, and refresh the spices after heavy rain or when you notice the scent has faded.
Are Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper Safe?
Both spices are considered safe for people and pets in small amounts. However, cayenne pepper is very spicy. If you have pets that like to dig in the trash, use caution, as the pepper may irritate their nose or mouth. Keep the spices tucked under the liner or in a mesh bag to minimize contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole cinnamon sticks, or do I need ground cinnamon?
Ground cinnamon works best because it releases more scent. Whole sticks are less effective for this purpose.
2. Will this trick work for fruit flies and gnats?
Yes, the strong aroma of both spices helps deter fruit flies and gnats as well.
3. How often should I reapply the spices?
Reapply every two weeks or after you take out the trash and clean the bin.
4. Can I mix cinnamon and cayenne pepper with baking soda for extra odor control?
Yes, you can safely mix them. Baking soda absorbs odors, while the spices repel flies.
5. Are there other household uses for these spices to keep away pests?
Absolutely. Cinnamon and cayenne pepper can also be sprinkled around windows, doors, or pet food areas to help keep ants and other insects at bay.
