Why does my house smell like pee but I can't find it?

Author: Prof. Frankie Borer DDS  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Multiple things can cause your house to smell like cat urine, even if you don't have a cat. Investigate if there is mold, leaking Freon, sewer gases, smelly plants, spoiled food, or even stains from previous pet owners.

Why does my house smell like urine but I can't find it?

Sewage Issues: Older plumbing systems may have leaks or blockages that can lead to sewage odors, which can sometimes smell similar to urine. Chemical Residues: Historical cleaning products or construction materials may have left behind residues that contribute to the overall odor profile of the house.

How to find the source of pee smell?

Locating Sources of Urine Odor
  1. Power of the nose. We may enter a home or a room and immediately recognize the presence of odors associated with urine. ...
  2. Moisture detector. Use a moisture probe to examine all the carpet in question. ...
  3. Ultraviolet light. ...
  4. The eyes. ...
  5. Use all your resources.

Why can I smell pee when there is none?

An olfactory hallucination, known as phantosmia, makes you detect smells that aren't in your environment. The odors you notice in phantosmia are different from person to person and may be foul or pleasant. You may notice the smells in one or both nostrils.

Which pest problem smells like urine?

Rats are notorious for smelling strong, like ammonia. That's a urine smell that you absolutely do not want in your home. Mice also emit a urine scent that's also kind of musty. Mice and rats actually have territorial markers, which will make the smell even worse.

PROBLEM SOLVED - Nasty Smell in House

What mold smells like urine?

Mold, especially black mold, produces a smell that very closely resembles cat pee. If you find black mold in your home, seek out a professional remediation service, as black mold can be very dangerous.

Does raccoon urine smell?

Some describe it as smelling like dog poop, cat urine, rotten fruits, or ammonia. Raccoons designate latrines, an area specifically for droppings and urine. They use the same one repeatedly. Therefore, they make large scat piles in your attic, walls, or ceilings, and the odors will linger in your living space.

Why does my odor smell like pee?

Liver or Kidney Problems - The kidneys and liver help remove toxins from our bodies. When they cannot function properly, toxins can build up in the blood and digestive tract, creating odor. Kidney disease can cause build of urea and make your sweat and urine smell like ammonia.

Do termites smell like urine?

Termites are known to have a musty smell of mold and mildew. This smell comes directly from their bodies as a result of living underground or in damp wood.

What else smells like urine?

Ammonia Smell

Ammonia smells like cat pee, and of course can accumulate from pet urine. Another common source of an ammonia smell is from other animals or critters in your home. These animals can become trapped in your attic or walls and can sadly pass away, leaving a decaying ammonia smell.

How to get rid of pee smell in house?

Baking Soda, Water, & Essential Oils

Fill a spray bottle with water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of your essential oil of choice. Give the bottle a good shake and spray your cushions and bedding to keep them smelling clean and fresh with this homemade odor eliminator as a deodorizer for urine smells.

Does mold have a smell?

Mold is often described as smelling musty. Others have described mold as having an earthy or meaty odor, resembling the smell of wet socks or rotten wood. For many homeowners, the smell is unpleasant and pungent. As mold grows, it can emit gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC's.

What is the best urine odor eliminator?

Final Verdict. Overall, we recommend Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover for its versatility on multiple surfaces and effectiveness in treating fresh and set-in stains. It is also safe for pets, according to Dr. Miller, and boasts a nice citrus scent that helps further mask odors from stains.

What is the cause of strange smelling urine?

Common causes of smelly pee

certain types of food and drink, like asparagus or coffee. not drinking enough fluids (dehydration) some medicines. vitamin B6 supplements.

How to figure out where a bad smell is coming from?

If odors seem to be emanating from this part of your home, check the following locations:
  1. Trash Cans. Under counter trash cans are a frequent source of odors. ...
  2. Ovens. Baked-on foods in your oven can cause burning or smoking odors when your oven is in use. ...
  3. Cooktops and Hoods. ...
  4. Disposals. ...
  5. Dishwashers. ...
  6. Refrigerators. ...
  7. Cabinets.

Why does the air smell like urine?

The Air Conditioning Smells Like Urine

One potential cause is a accumulation of bacteria or mold in the your HVAC. This can happen in the event that moisture accumulates in the system and creates a damp environment that favorable for bacterial growth. The bacteria can produce a foul odor that resembles urine.

Why does my house suddenly smell like urine?

The smell of animal urine could also be from squirrels, raccoons and opossums, which are are known to get into walls and attics and leave behind droppings. Be sure to dispose of any food source to prevent and get rid of any unwanted animals in your house.

What pest smells like urine?

Rodents, such as mice and rats, are notorious for the musty, urine-like odor they produce. Their urine contains a strong-smelling compound called urea, which breaks down into ammonia as it ages. This pungent smell can be particularly noticeable in areas where rodents have established nests or frequently travel.

What rodent smells like urine?

One of the most recognizable scents associated with a mouse infestation is the pungent odor of ammonia. This smell is a result of mouse urine, which mice tend to scatter around as they move through your home. As the urine dries, it releases ammonia into the air, creating a strong, acrid odor.

Why do I smell pee when there is none?

Phantosmia is a condition that causes you to detect smells that aren't actually in your environment. It can happen in one nostril or both — and the odors may be foul or pleasant. Common causes include colds, allergies, nasal polyps and dental issues. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Why do I keep smelling animal pee?

Multiple things can cause your house to smell like cat urine, even if you don't have a cat. Investigate if there is mold, leaking Freon, sewer gases, smelly plants, spoiled food, or even stains from previous pet owners.

How do you know if a raccoon is in your walls?

Scratch marks and droppings left at the base of trees or woodpiles are also strong signs of raccoon activity. If these signs are undetected, look out for toppled garbage cans, trash strewn across your yard, low growls and shuffling noises as raccoons run along your roof or inside your walls.

How long does rodent urine smell last?

The smell of rat urine can last for several days or weeks depending on the humidity levels in your home and how much time has passed since the rat urinated on your floor or wall. The longer it sits, the stronger it will smell, so it is important to clean up any rat urine as soon as possible.

Previous article
Do I need permission to convert my garage?
Next article
How to get rid of moths quickly?