The Weird Truth About Smelling Ants (And Why You Might Not Be Able To)

You probably haven’t leaned down to get a good sniff of an ant — that’d be weird. But those who can smell ants don’t need to get so close. Discover why only some people can smell ants, learn what they smell like, and find out what other kinds of scents others can pick up on that you may not be able to!

This post was updated on September 20, 2025 to clarify scents produced, why humans may be able to smell them, how ants react to cinnamon, and recruitment signaling.

Can People Smell Ants?

Yes, some people can smell ants! Many ants release odors, but not every ant species produces a smell that humans can detect. The “odorous house ant” is the most widely known example. Carpenter ants, citronella ants, and a few others have distinctive odors as well. These different types of ants release strong odors in a variety of situations. Sometimes, it’s once they’ve been squished and other times, it’s when they sense danger. Ant researcher Clint Penick at Kennesaw State University confirms that the common house ant is odorous and releases a stinky pheromone some describe as blue cheese/coconut-like due to volatile chemicals, particularly methyl ketones. But ants don’t universally emit methyl ketones. Different species rely on very different compounds (formic acid, terpenoids, etc.)

Each ant has a distinctive scent. Most of them are quite pungent and unpleasant but some are sweet and almost enticing. It’s believed ants release these chemicals when they feel threatened either to repel the threat or potentially warn other ants that there is danger afoot. The way they communicate with scents is impressive. They’ve developed an incredible ability to communicate with one another based on the scents they emit.

Sometimes, they’re warning of danger but other times, they’re leaving a trail to alert other ants to the location of food. They deposit trail pheromones in proportion to food quality or quantity, which recruits more nestmates. They can also distinguish one another based on which are workers and which are queens and can tell when an ant that doesn’t belong to their colony has invaded their nest.

Why Can Some People Smell Ants?

It’s not entirely clear why only some people seem to pick up on the various scents ants emanate. However, some believe that it’s a gene-related ability. You may simply be lacking the gene that allows you to pick up on the scents. However, it’s more likely about individual sensitivity to certain volatile chemicals (like methyl ketones or formic acid). Another possibility is lack of awareness. It’s easy to get caught up in your routine and move through life on autopilot but maybe it’s worth paying a little extra attention to these tiny workers and determining if you can pick up what they’re putting down!

What Do Ants Smell Like?

For those of you who haven’t smelled ants, the descriptions of what ants smell like may surprise you. While the thought of blue cheese and bacon atop a fresh wedge salad might make your mouth water, when the blue cheese smell is coming from an ant, it’s not exactly appealing. Remember Clint Penick, the ant researcher at Kennesaw State University? Well, he says the odorous house ant gives off exactly that scent. It’s a blue-cheese-scented pheromone. This same chemical is produced by Penicillium mold as well. Whether you love it or hate it, you know how pungent the smell of blue cheese is.

Carpenter ants smell a little different. When they’re not sure what’s going on and they feel like a threat is in their vicinity, they spray formic acid. This odor is even more pronounced when released by Formica ants. You can probably guess what citronella ants smell like based on their name; their scent is much like the citrusy fragrance that makes your home smell clean. Other ants smell like olive oil and trap-jaw ants emanate a chocolatey scent when they’re squished.   

What Smells Do Ants Hate?

Lavender, eucalyptus, mint, basil, oregano, and thyme are all plant options to keep ants from invading your home. Additionally, cinnamon is a powerful solution for eliminating ants.

Cinnamon (powder or oil) is a repellent that disrupts ant trails and can be irritating. You can sprinkle it along ant trails or around the entrance of an anthill. Additionally, cinnamon essential oil proves effective in keeping ants at bay.

Furthermore, simple household solutions can act as effective natural ant deterrents.

Natural ingredients such as:

• Salt
• Baby powder
• Lemon juice
• Chalk
• Vinegar
• Bay leaves
• Peppermint oil

These can be placed in areas where ants are present. By doing so, you can prevent them from using these pathways as entry points into your home.