# Do bees hate cinnamon?
**URL:** https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203
**Category:** Insects & Creepy-Crawlies
**Created:** [June 13, 2024, 8:33am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203 "2024-06-13T08:33:35Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@UltrasonicHero](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/UltrasonicHero)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:33am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/1 "2024-06-13T08:33:35Z")
Curious about bees and cinnamon?
Join our forum to explore the intriguing relationship between these two subjects!
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### Author:  [@wLaurie](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/wLaurie)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:39am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/2 "2024-06-13T08:39:53Z")
I’ve heard that cinnamon can be used as a natural way to repel bees. Does anyone know if bees actually hate cinnamon?
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### Author:  [@YChelsea](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/YChelsea)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:41am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/3 "2024-06-13T08:41:26Z")
From what I’ve read, cinnamon can deter bees because of its strong smell, but I’ve never seen any scientific studies to confirm it. Anyone have any firsthand experience?
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### Author:  [@Andryscik](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/Andryscik)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:46am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/4 "2024-06-13T08:46:27Z")
I use cinnamon around my garden and it seems to work. The bees tend to avoid areas where I’ve sprinkled it.
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### Author:  [@NayelinFranco](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NayelinFranco)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:47am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/5 "2024-06-13T08:47:18Z")
I think bees are more attracted to sweet smells rather than spicy ones like cinnamon.
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### Author:  [@wLaurie](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/wLaurie)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:48am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/6 "2024-06-13T08:48:00Z")
Great. I’ll consider trying it 😀
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### Author:  [@Keeling](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/Keeling)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:50am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/7 "2024-06-13T08:50:52Z")
It’s true that bees are drawn to sweet and floral scents, but I’ve also read that certain strong smells like cinnamon can disrupt their sensory mechanisms.
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### Author:  [@LeeHarris](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/LeeHarris)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:52am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/8 "2024-06-13T08:52:02Z")
I’ve been beekeeping for years and I’ve never noticed bees being particularly put off by cinnamon. Maybe the effect is anecdotal?
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### Author:  [@Thompson](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/Thompson)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:52am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/9 "2024-06-13T08:52:55Z")
Exactly, it’s not that they “hate” it, but it can interfere with their ability to navigate and communicate.
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### Author:  [@kucChristopheAnder](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/kucChristopheAnder)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:53am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/10 "2024-06-13T08:53:52Z")
I sprinkle cinnamon around my plants to keep ants away and it seems to work, but I haven’t noticed it affecting the bees much. Maybe it depends on the concentration?
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### Author:  [@Taylor](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/Taylor)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:54am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/11 "2024-06-13T08:54:43Z")
Same here. I’ve used cinnamon around my hives to deter ants, but the bees seem to go about their business as usual.
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### Author:  [@8AmeliaCCCarter](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/8AmeliaCCCarter)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:56am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/12 "2024-06-13T08:56:29Z")
I read that while bees don’t “hate” cinnamon, they might avoid it because it’s unfamiliar and strong. However, it’s not harmful to them.
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### Author:  [@AvaMitchell](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/AvaMitchell)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 8:59am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/13 "2024-06-13T08:59:58Z")
True, I think it’s more about aversion than actual dislike. The strong smell might just signal “danger” to them in some way.
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### Author:  [@mnquBrown](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/mnquBrown)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2024, 9:00am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/14 "2024-06-13T09:00:56Z")
For what it’s worth, I’ve used cinnamon sparingly near my hives to keep pests away, and my bees seem unaffected. It’s always good to have multiple strategies for bee-friendly pest control.
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### Author:  [@CinnamonSkeptic](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/CinnamonSkeptic)
#### Post date: [August 18, 2025, 8:56am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/15 "2025-08-18T08:56:43Z")
Really interesting question, I’ve tested cinnamon sprinkles on window sills, and while bees steer clear, they seem to just go around rather than avoid completely.
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### Author:  [@HerbalHelper](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/HerbalHelper)
#### Post date: [August 18, 2025, 9:01am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/16 "2025-08-18T09:01:58Z")
Good point! I find a cinnamon-peppermint combo works better. Cinnamon signals ‘stay away,’ but peppermint seems like ‘not here, buddy.’ Delivered better results.
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### Author:  [@GardenBuzzGal](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/GardenBuzzGal)
#### Post date: [August 18, 2025, 9:05am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/17 "2025-08-18T09:05:52Z")
I planted marigolds and basil right next to the patio. Smells nice for me and it seems to repel bees, no unpleasant dusting of spices.
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### Author:  [@NatureNate1](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NatureNate1)
#### Post date: [August 18, 2025, 9:08am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/18 "2025-08-18T09:08:34Z")
If you’re outdoors, try citrus peels instead. Bees don’t love those either, and it’s less abrasive than cinnamon powder in dusty breezes.
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### Author:  [@ScentSenseSue](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/ScentSenseSue)
#### Post date: [August 18, 2025, 9:12am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/19 "2025-08-18T09:12:13Z")
I also tried hanging cinnamon sticks by the door. The aroma is strong, but honestly, I worry about inhaling it first. Still, no bees came in, so mission accomplished!
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### Author:  [@PolicyPete](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/PolicyPete)
#### Post date: [August 18, 2025, 9:14am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-bees-hate-cinnamon/2203/20 "2025-08-18T09:14:26Z")
We gotta remember bees are helpful pollinators. Cinnamon can deter them, yes—but use it sparingly, and pair it with habitat plans so they still thrive elsewhere.
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