Do Termites Create an Odor?

Termites are wood-eating insects that can cause serious damage to your home without your knowledge. Their odor is not pungent enough to be detected by humans. Rather, they smell like rotten wood or mildew.

Termite infestations can cause water damage and mold. Signs of water damage include soft spots on the floor, water rings on the ceiling and warped flooring. If you notice any of these signs, you should schedule a termite inspection to identify the source of the problem.

Unlike mice and rats, termites don’t produce a musty odor. Instead, they produce an oleic acid-based odor that’s similar to mold or mildew. This scent is also used by the queen termite to attract mates.

Several types of termites live in damp, underground mud tubes. They need the moisture to survive. They also use pheromones to communicate. These odors are sent to the termite’s antennae. The pheromones alert the termites that danger is near.

Termite droppings are not as foul-smelling as those from carnivores, but they do contain debris and termite saliva. They may also have a fungal type odor.

Termites carry their odor with them, so it’s not uncommon for their odor to be detected only close to the creature. But since the odor isn’t strong enough to be felt, it is often mistaken for water damage or other problems.

Using essential oils such as clove bud oil, garlic oil and cinnamon oil will repel termites. Try mixing these oils with a gallon of water and spraying on the problem area.