Bed bugs are the houseguests truly no one wants to host. These tiny pests, known for their bites and ability to hide in the tiniest crevices, are often detected through one of their unique traits—their smell.
That’s right—bed bugs have a distinct odor that can clue you in on an infestation.
But what do bed bugs smell like, exactly, and how can you distinguish it from other household odors? More importantly, why is professional pest control the best way to identify and treat these unwelcome squatters?
Let’s break it down.
What Do Bed Bugs Smell Like?
Bed bug infestations don’t just leave behind itchy bites. They also leave a lingering, unmistakable smell.
Some people describe it as sweet or musty, similar to the scent of rotten raspberries or coriander (yes, that’s right, the herb you might use in your cooking).
Others say it smells more like an old, damp towel that’s been left out for too long. This odor comes from the bed bugs themselves and the pheromones they produce to communicate with one another.
When you’ve got a few bed bugs in the picture, the smell might not be noticeable.
However, as the infestation grows, so, too, does the intensity of the odor. If you walk into your bedroom and notice a pungent, odd smell that wasn’t there before, you might want to start investigating the source.
Why Do Bed Bugs Smell?
The smell of bed bugs is often a combination of their natural pheromones and the scent of their feces and shed skins. Pheromones are chemical signals that help bed bugs attract mates, mark territory, or communicate with their colony. While helpful for them, these chemicals are less than appealing for us.
On top of that, their droppings and shed exoskeletons contribute to the smell. They leave dark stains on your sheets or mattress, which not only look unappealing but can add to the musty odor. If you’re catching a whiff of an unusual scent without any obvious source, it could be a sign that pests have made themselves at home.
Not All Odors Are Bed Bugs
Not all that glitters is gold, and not all that stinks is bed bugs.
It’s easy to misinterpret household smells. Not all funky odors are a sign of bed bugs. For instance, mold or mildew can emit a musty smell and often gets mistaken for a pest problem.
Similarly, spills of food or drink left undetected could rot and emit an odor that might confuse you.
This is where things get tricky. Spotting bed bugs isn’t always straightforward. They are experts at staying out of sight, hiding in mattress seams, baseboards, or even inside furniture.
The smell might be your first clue, but identifying the actual source, whether it’s bed bugs or something else, requires expertise that only pest control professionals like us can provide.
Why You Shouldn’t Handle Bed Bugs Alone
Even if you detect the smell of bed bugs, tackling them without professional help is a risky move. DIY treatments often fail, and here’s why:
They’re Masters of Hiding
Bed bugs can tuck themselves into virtually any crack or crevice, from headboards to electrical outlets. Finding all their hiding spots requires specialized skills and tools.
Fast Breeders
A single female can lay hundreds of eggs over her lifetime, and the infestation can quickly spiral out of control if not addressed thoroughly.
Resistant to Common Treatments
Bed bugs are notorious for building up resistance to many over-the-counter pesticides. That bottle of spray from the store might slow them down, but it won’t wipe them out.
That’s the bad news. The good news? Our team at Orange Pest Control has years of experience handling bed bug infestations. We use state-of-the-art techniques and treatments to eliminate the problem, so you don’t have to stress over spotting and sniffing out every last one.
How Orange Pest Control Handles Bed Bug Infestations
When you reach out to us for help, we don’t just tackle the problem. We solve it completely.
We start approaching any bed bug situation by investing some time in accurate identification. Our pest control pros know exactly what to look for. We’ll determine if that musty smell is indeed from bed bugs or something else entirely.
Then, we develop comprehensive treatment plans. Our treatments are tailored to address the infestation thoroughly, using proven techniques that eliminate bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle; eggs, nymphs, and adults.
Then, after we’ve eradicated the infestation, we’ll provide you with practical guidance to help ensure bed bugs don’t come back knocking.
Whether it’s your home, hotel, or office, we’re ready to help you reclaim your space from these pesky invaders.
Take Action Against Bed Bugs…Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve noticed a strange, musty smell in your home and suspect bed bugs, don’t hesitate to act. Ignoring the signs of an infestation can lead to bigger headaches down the line. Call us at Orange Pest Control in Brevard County, FL. We’ll handle the dirty work and ensure your home is pest-free, so you can breathe easy again.
Smell something off? Still curious about what bed bugs smell like? Don’t leave it up to chance (or your olfactory senses).
Contact us today and schedule a professional bed bug inspection, because when it comes to bed bugs, you deserve peace of mind.