Do Bed Bugs Smell?

Bed bugs are known to be some of the more pesky insects to deal with when it comes to household pests. They are small, they are crafty, they reproduce quickly, and they can be difficult to get rid of. Many people wonder if bed bugs carry any foul odors and, if so, how those smells work to help identify and tackle the bug problem.

What Do Bed Bugs Smell Like?

Surprisingly, bed bugs have an odor similar to that of coriander and almonds. More often than not, people will report a musty smell in an infested area. This is due to the pheromones bed bugs produce and their natural scent, which is caused from their excrement and shed skin.

Do Bed Bug Repellents Smell?

Many chemical repellents used for bed bug control have a pungent odor that irritates humans. Some products contain oils, such as cedar and linalool, that have a strong odor and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If a stronger odor is desired, pyrethrin-based products emit a strong, musky odor that may linger in the infested area.

What Can I Do To Prevent a Bad Smell?

It is important to remember that bed bugs cause odors and these smells will increase the longer they’re present in your home. If you’re trying to reduce these odors, here are a few tips:

Vacuum regularly and discard vacuum bags immediately. Bed bugs and their excrement can linger in the vacuum and release an odor.

Clean all bedding, floors and furniture with hot, soapy water and vacuum to help remove the smell of bed bugs.

Use chemical repellents sparingly and with caution to help reduce the smell and keep bed bugs from coming back.

In conclusion, bed bugs can smell quite strong and are difficult to get rid of. Regular cleaning and use of chemical repellents can help to reduce the smell and keep bed bugs away.