Cockroaches are among the most resilient pests found in UK homes and businesses. Besides being a health hazard and unwelcome sight, they often leave behind an unpleasant odour. But what exactly causes cockroaches to smell, and how can you identify their presence through their odour?
What Does a Cockroach Smell Like?
Cockroach odour is often described as musty, oily, or even foul—sometimes compared to mould or mildew. This distinct smell becomes stronger as the infestation grows in size. A small infestation might result in the off whiff, but later when the roach population is larger, you’ll smell it all the time, and more strongly too.
Many people unfamiliar with the scent describe it as a persistent, unpleasant stench that’s hard to ignore. But its difficult to describe a smell in writing, so we asked five people to describe what cockroaches smell like and here are their descriptions:
- Musty, oily, and greasy with hints of sweetness.
- Comparable to musty basements or stale, old wood.
- Dirty wet dogs, rancid oil, or even body odour mixed with mould.
- Dirty, greasy, metallic, and sometimes like burnt hair.
- Dampness with hints of wet socks, old books, and grease traps.
Having dealt with my fair share of cockroaches, my own description of their smell would be very much in line with number 2 and number 5 from those above.
Why Do Cockroaches Produce Odours?
Cockroaches produce odours for several reasons, all linked to their biology and behaviour:
- Pheromones: Like many insects, cockroaches release pheromones to communicate with each other. These chemical signals help them locate food, find mates, and mark safe areas. Unfortunately for us humans, these pheromones often carry an unpleasant smell, particularly in high concentrations.
- Dead Cockroaches: When a cockroach dies, it releases fatty acids such as oleic acid during decomposition. This breakdown process produces a strong, foul smell that can linger if not properly addressed.
- Faeces and Secretions: Cockroaches defecate wherever they roam, and their faeces carry a musty odour. Combined with other secretions from their bodies, such as saliva and vomit, this mix contributes to the overall stench of an infestation.
- Aggregation: Cockroaches tend to gather in large numbers in dark, damp, hidden spaces. When they aggregate, their combined odours from pheromones, excrement, and secretions along with the odour of the damp place they make their home, can merge to create an overwhelming smell that permeates a room.
What Attracts Cockroaches?
Cockroaches are drawn to warm, humid environments with access to food and water. This is why kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are prime spots for infestations. They feed on anything from crumbs and grease to decaying matter. The main attractant is food, which is why it’s important to clean very well each day after cooking. Even just a few stray crumbs under the toaster would be a feast for a cockroach.
How to Identify a Cockroach Infestation by Smell
If you notice a persistent, damp, musty, or oily smell in your kitchen or bathroom, it could be a sign of cockroaches. This smell is often stronger at night, as cockroaches are nocturnal and become more active when it’s dark. Areas such as under sinks, behind appliances, and in storage rooms are common nesting spots. Once you know the rough whereabouts, you should set up glue traps. These will trap cockroaches for you can see the insects for yourself
What Should You Do if You Notice a Cockroach Smell?
If you suspect a cockroach infestation based on smell or other signs like droppings or egg cases, it’s essential to act quickly. Cockroaches not only leave behind foul odours but can also spread diseases and allergens, making them a health risk.
A professional pest control service like Merlin Environmental Solutions can assess the situation, identify the extent of the infestation, and eliminate the problem.
If you prefer to launch a DIY war on the cockroaches first check out this article.
