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Why Some People Can Smell Insects—and Others Can't

“I can smell cockroaches. It’s the worst superpower I’ve ever developed.” — TikTok user


A quirky TikTok video recently went viral: a couple debated why one of them can smell ladybugs while the other can’t. Funny? Yes. But also rooted in serious neuroscience.

The Science Behind Smelling Insects

Smells are molecules. These molecules enter your nose and bind to olfactory receptors—proteins in the nose that detect and send signals to your brain.

According to Claire de March, biochemist at CNRS (France’s National Scientific Research Centre):

“One odor molecule activates a specific pattern of receptors. Then your brain interprets it as a distinct smell.”

But Here’s the Twist:

Not everyone has the same receptor genes. This means you may smell something your friend can't—or smell it completely differently.

“If I have one receptor variant, I might smell ants as earthy. You might smell nothing at all,” says de March.

What TikTok Users Say Insects Smell Like

  • “Ants smell like tomato vines and dirt.”
  • “They smell like blue cheese or old pen ink.”
  • “I smell cockroaches—and I wish I didn’t.”

These aren’t random. Insects like ants release formic acid when disturbed—detectable by some noses. Ladybugs emit alkaloids, which can smell metallic or musty to certain people.

The Nose vs. The Brain

This debate is similar to the viral “blue-gold dress” moment. But this time, it’s about olfactory perception, not vision.

Similar differences exist with:

  • Cilantro (coriander): fresh to some, soapy to others
  • Androstenone (in sweat): sweet for some, foul for others

Final Thought

So, when someone claims they can smell ants or ladybugs—they might just have a unique sensory gift. Blame (or thank) their DNA.

“The nose is more personal than we ever imagined.” — Dr. Claire de March

Sources

📖 Read more on our Science section.

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