there is a bad fishy smell in one room of my very old house, what is it?

Question

Particularly bad at night. There is a bat colony in the roof, but no smell in the attic. There are no human hygiene reasons for the smell... I have checked THOROUGHLY! The smell moves round the room. This does not occur every night, and generally lasts 15-30mins at a time.

Guys... I think we may have cracked it. There is a large number of tiny dead insecty type bugs in the bedside lamps... beside the bulb. I'm giving it 10 mins till they cool down and will let you know how we get on... CHEERS folks

Still smells! Must be the bedside lamps, will try lower wattage bulbs... or bin the bl###y things. Nite all.

Answer 1

The insulating plastic on sockets and plugs can smell like fish when overheating or burning, when you get the smell, feel the sockets that are in use. Could also be a large wattage lamp in a bakelite lampholder.

Answer 2

phoooooweeee!! It sounds to me like u have a problem with possible damp, the reason it may only last for short periods of time cud be due to temperature changes in the room. I know u say u don't blame the bats but the build up of bats pee can't do no favours!! Now other than that the cause could be due to super natural reasons, now u may be a sceptic but it has been known that rooms with spirits can produce unanswerable smells, could also explain the collection of bats . Not trying to spook u my friend but tis a possibility. Anyhoo it ain't the dead u have to worry about its the living that cause all the grieve!! Now if the smell is due to damp, check the walls n windows for a build up of condensation, if present call the landlord or get an insurance surveyor if its your property. If there r marks on the ceiling ie; damp patches then it is down to bat pee. If these two reasons don't come up trumps then its the spirits, tellin ya. Get yourself to the local god house n ask them to pop round with holy water! Other than that it is a housemate who has hid a tin of mackerel in your room for a joke, good luck!

Answer 3

In a topic like this honesty is the perfect coverage. you do not might want to be rude yet you do favor to be as straight away ahead as plausible. Remind her that you want and take care of her this is the significant reason your sharing your emotions including her so boldly. I favor you the finest of luck because I were on your difficulty and this is complicated. believe even as the scent receives undesirable adequate you'll smash down and tell her. do exactly not wait till your being grossed out and annoyed will become bitterness and anger.

Answer 4

Change the bulbs - I had exactly the same problem a few years ago. Couldnt believe it when I discovered the problem but at least its easily fixed !

Answer 5

Have you any light fittings such as up lighters that moths, flies or any other flying insects can get into ? If you have and they have flown in there, when you put the light on this can cause a fishy smell. It has happened to me.

Answer 6

Maybe the previous people had a fish tank and the fish all died and now sometimes at night the fish come back to haunt you. Only joking. The wiring does sound likely. Have you had it checked out cos rewiring can be very expensive - I've just had mind done.

Answer 7

Good grief, there are some weird questions on this forum. How on earth can anybody give a definitive answer without smelling it for themselves.

Answer 8

Could be an electrical wiring problem.
Try smelling near the light fittings.

Answer 9

I agree with previous answer. Sometimes old electrics smell fishy when the overheat. Its either that or a fish is hiding on you..

Answer 10

Check for bodies under the floor boards!