They use it to ward off predators. Humans use naphthalene mothballs to keep their presses free of insects and now naphthalene has been associated with termites according to research presented by Dr Gregg Henderson of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Ground dwelling termites face many adversaries such as ants, fungus, bacteria and worms. Dr Henderson and colleagues believe that fumigating the termite nest with naphthalene and other volatile compounds could play a role in inhibiting microorganisms and tiny invaders. While the chemical was found in nests recovered from homes and trees it remains unclear how the naphthalene got there. There was no direct evidence that the insects could make it themselves, Dr Henderson said in a report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry . He speculates that it may be produced by microbes acting on material in the termite nest, gut or its food.