Part of the reason we have a sense of smell is to warn ourselves of potential dangers, whether that’s burning our toast in the morning or detecting if the food in our fridge has passed its best.
Unfortunately, some things which are dangerous to us don’t have any odour whatsoever. This is partly the case for bed bugs, which sometimes give off a smell, but not all the time, and if a scent does occur, this is usually mistaken for something else.
If you’d like to know the types of smells a bed bug infestation might give out – you’re in the right place!
What Odours do Bed Bug Infestations Give Off?
Large infestations which have either been disturbed or just squashed can smell similar to the sweet scent of berries. However, the extent of this depends on someone’s personal sense of smell.
Another smell associated with bed bugs is coriander, which is to do with a pheromone they release that can warn other bugs of danger. Different smells associated with bed bugs include washing which has been left in the machine a while or mouldy shoes.
As you can see, some of the smells that bed bugs give off are pleasant. However, they sometimes are not. For example, if a large group of bed bugs are disturbed, they can give off an odour not dissimilar to a stink beetle.
While the scent given off by bed bugs is one way to identify them, you’ll need to do some other detective work as well. One of the most obvious signs is dark blood-stained sheets on beds. Or itchy and irritated skin, which has occurred through bites.
How can I Deal with a Bed Bug Infestation?
You may be tempted to try and deal with it yourself using some kind of repellent spray. Trust us – this rarely works. Instead, do some essential tasks yourself before booking in a professional bed bug removal service to eliminate the problem once and for all.
Before the pest control team arrives, tidy up your home by removing discarded objects from the floor, then disposing of or recycling them. It would help if you also sealed up gaps around skirting boards, sockets and light switches using caulk as they make the perfect hideaway for bed bugs.
Once you’ve done this, you’ll then need to do some laundry. Wash clothing, soft furnishings and bedding on the highest heat possible. Then, once the cycle has finished, transfer the items into a sealed bag to prevent contamination.
Follow on by vacuuming all carpets thoroughly, then cover the bed and box springs in a zippable and high-quality encasement.
By following these steps, you’re allowing the pest controller to get a head start on exterminating the problem, ensuring your home is bug-free in no time at all.
