Whether you think you've got a great sense of smell or not, you might not believe how powerful some noses can be. I'm Keith Jacobs and as an experienced pest controller from Brisbane City Pest Control, I've seen some things in my years in the industry.

I once had a client who'd seen a few ants around but complained that the smell of ants in her house was overwhelming. On entering her home, I, too, could smell the ants, but she insisted that it was so strong she could smell nothing else. When I climbed into her ceiling I found a huge nest, and the smell in the ceiling cavity was indeed, overwhelming. She was so sensitive that she could smell it through the ceiling!

That's right – some people can smell ants and silverfish! In my line of work, sniffing out insects could be classed as a special skill, but for the average person – it's an annoying problem to have. 

The Science Behind It

As it happens, certain insects emit a chemical smell. Like the people who taste soap when they eat coriander, these spectacular humans have a switch in their brain set to smell this chemical.

So, what do insects smell like? That remains to be seen… or smelled. As it happens, nobody can quite agree on a precise description. For some people, it's a strong metallic smell, while others get a whiff of sour milk or blue cheese. Cockroaches have a musty smell, though some people describe it as a soy sauce scent.

When disturbed, bed bugs emit a scent to set off alarms within their colony, and while people describe the smell differently, it is strongly acidic. Meanwhile, termites have a musty, damp smell. It isn't due to a chemical; it's from the living environment they thrive in. 

Could It Be More Than Your Nose?

Regardless of each bug’s individual smell, if you or someone you know can smell insects, it's worth further investigation. There's a chance there's a bigger problem at hand, and it could be an insect infestation.

The quicker an infestation is dealt with, the better it is – for your nose and your wallet. If you notice a few stray insects, be sure to investigate to be safe. It's worth investigating what pests are common in your area so you can learn the other signs to look out for.

While some people may be super smellers, it's unlikely to set alarm bells ringing unless there's a serious problem.

With unseasonably warm weather and plenty of rain, burrowing animals are coming up for warmer homes and insects are heading indoors for safety. This type of weather can lead to major pest problems so quick action is key.

Pest control isn't solely a reactive measure, it's a preventative one as well. Don't wait for a problem, call in the experts to be proactive and take preventative measures to stop an infestation from taking hold.

About the author Keith Jacobs, Brisbane City Pest Control

Keith Jacobs fully licensed pest management expert with a decade’s hands on experience in diagnosing, planning, and executing pest management strategies for both homeowners and commercial operators. As a Viw Expert Contributor, Keith shares his insights into pest management, trades business and his other passion, fishing!