Why Michiganders Sprinkle Cinnamon and Cayenne On Their Trash

The other day, on another broiling hot Michigan summer day, I was looking out my kitchen window and witnessed my neighbor sprinkling spices into his garbage can. Naturally, my first thought was, "This is why I don't eat at other people's houses." But following a face-to-face conversation with the trash can cook, I too went to the spice rack and started sprinkling, too.

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The Curious Case of the Seasoned Garbage

You see, it turns out he wasn't seasoning the garbage, he was waging war against flies. And he's been winning.

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This summer has been a scorcher, so couple the smell of hot garbage with a cloud of flies and their maggot offspring, and you've got a problem. So, here's the hack according to Caring Minds United: put a dusting of cinnamon and cayenne pepper into your garbage can, and you'll send flies packing. But why?

Why Cinnamon and Cayenne Repel Flies

According to Natran, cinnamon's sweet, warm smell masks the eau de dumpster that flies can't resist. The cayenne pepper is basically hot lava for their tiny legs and antennae. It's like putting up a spicy "NO VACANCY" sign for your roll-off container.

You don't need to dump half of your spices in either—just a light dusting every time it's emptied should do the trick. Of course, you may want to wash your garbage can on occasion as well (I've lived in Michigan my whole life, never done this nor have I seen anyone doing it), and make sure that you aren't throwing food away that isn't in a bag of some sort.

Test Results: From Fly Party to No-Fly Zone

I tried the cinnamon and cayenne pepper trick on my garbage, and so far, I've not seen a fly or maggot. It went from "Michigan's mosh pit for flies" to "a no-fly zone" with just a few shakes.

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So yes, I now have a neighbor who sprinkles spices in his trash like he's hosting Top Chef: Refuse Edition. But I tell you what—my flies are gone and, even though his dandelions are encroaching on my lawn, my respect for him is through the roof.