Whether or not bed bugs smell in the house directly depends on the size of the population of these insects. With a small number of ectoparasites, the smell is practically not noticeable. In addition, not every person knows what bedbugs smell like and what their stench is associated with.
But when ectoparasites stay in an apartment for a long time, the specific smell becomes more intense. First of all, it is felt in the bedroom, and then spreads throughout the home.
And even long-term ventilation of the premises helps eliminate the problem only for a short time.
Physiological cause of odor
The unpleasant odor of bedbugs appears as a result of the work of the insect's odorous glands, which produce secretions. In adults they are located on the ventral side and open on the back of the chest, and in larvae - in the abdominal segments. The secreted secretion contains enzymes consisting mainly of aldehydes.
Bed bugs emit an odor in the following cases:
- During the mating period. The smell helps males scare away rivals in the fight for the female. And the more sexually mature individuals there are in the colony, the stronger the stench is felt. The secretion also acts as a pheromone. With its help, females attract partners for mating.
- When there is a feeling of danger. The instinct of self-preservation is triggered at the subconscious level of the parasite when it feels anxious. In this case, the glands in bedbugs produce a secretion similar to the release of adrenaline in mammals.
- For orientation in space. The smell helps insects detect other individuals of their colony, as well as make long journeys and find their way back.
Moreover, the stench is emitted not only by insects, but also by their feces, as well as the remains of chitinous shells after molting.
The bugs themselves do not suffer from their own odor, but their specific odor poses a threat to surrounding insects. These secretions cause convulsions, paralysis, spasms and even death. Therefore, the stench is a kind of biological weapon of ectoparasites.
Microencapsulated products
Preparations that do not contain an unpleasant odor are available from several well-known brands.
Raptor
A good aerosol with a light floral amber. Its active components have a neuroparalytic effect on the nervous system of bedbugs, which leads to rapid death. The effect of the aerosol begins immediately after spraying, when toxins fall on the shell and legs of insects. Raptor allows you to eradicate the entire population, because infected individuals, moving around the apartment, transmit the poison to their relatives.
Aerosol insecticides against bedbugs are good because they are able to penetrate the most inaccessible places where insects live
Solfak
One of the latest chemical developments. It has no aroma or side effects, dissolves in water, does not leave marks or stains on furniture. Ideal for baiting parasites at home. The active period is about 90 days.
Forsyth
Concentrated product based on permethrin. It has a low degree of toxicity, but is slightly behind other brands in terms of effectiveness.
Combat
It is a microencapsulated contact preparation that causes paralysis of the bedbug's nervous system and its rapid death. The main distinctive feature of this drug is its long-term retention of activity - “Get” works from 6 to 12 months after application, maintaining its properties throughout the entire period.
This means that only one treatment will be needed to kill the entire bedbug population. The only drawback of this drug is the high price - one bottle costs at least 800 rubles. However, the quality of “Get” fully corresponds to the declared price. As for the smell, the sharp aroma of chlorpyrifos (the active ingredient) is interrupted by orange flavor, and therefore does not cause any discomfort.
Neopine
Delta zone
A new insecticidal drug, the popularity of which is only gaining momentum. The active ingredient is deltamethrin 2.5%. This is a very strong poison that is dangerous only for insects. In the process of preparing the working composition, 10 ml of the product is diluted with a liter of water. After applying “Delta Zone”, only a thin film remains on the surfaces, which is easily washed off during wet cleaning.
Dichlorvos Neo
Dichlorvos Neo is a well-known aerosol based on three active chemicals (piperonyl butoxide, cypermethrin and permethrin). Their smell is masked by scented fragrances. Among the advantages of the drug, acceptable cost and availability are noted. Among the disadvantages are toxicity and a relatively short period of action. This aerosol works best when applied locally to areas where larvae and adults accumulate, as well as bedbug eggs.
Lambda zone
Xulate C25
A new European-made insecticide that is ideal for home control of bedbugs. Its base is chlorpyrifos 25%, the residual effect extends for 180 days.
Dobrokhim-FOS
A universal and very effective odorless remedy for bedbugs. It is a water-based emulsion, the main active ingredient of which is fenthion. To prepare the solution, pour 5 grams into 1 liter of clean water. facilities. “Dobrokhim-FOS” is distinguished by its rapid action – it affects bedbugs literally from the first seconds. The first results can be expected within a quarter of an hour after disinfection.
The anti-bedbug preparation “Executioner” requires preliminary preparation - the product must be dissolved in the required amount of water (see instructions)
Bedbug spray
The smelliest bugs
The intensity of the odor varies for each type of bedbug. Why some bedbugs stink more than others depends on their diet. The smelliest ones are garden parasites. When the secretion is combined with essential oils contained in the sap of plants that insects feed on, the intensity of the odor increases.
Red-legged shieldbill
The most smelly types of bedbugs are:
- Red-legged shieldweed. You can recognize it by its bronze shell. The body size of the red-legged shield reaches 13-16 mm. It is found on deciduous trees, as it feeds on their sap. The active period is late summer-early autumn. The red-legged stink bug has a bronze carapace and exudes an odor reminiscent of rancid almonds.
- Two-toothed shield. Forest bug, brown in color and with a rectangular body shape. Its size does not exceed 1 cm. The two-toothed shield bug may accidentally end up in a house, but does not pose a danger to humans. These garden bugs smell the same as the previous species.
- Berry shield. Characterized by a burgundy body shade with a shiny sheen. It feeds on the juice of berries and grain crops. If it is disturbed, it emits an unpleasant, cloying odor, reminiscent of rotten raspberries, fermented musty jam, or cilantro.
Liquid insecticides
Liquid forms refer to emulsions containing insecticidal microcapsules. They have a contact spectrum of action on parasites, upon contact with which the drug paralyzes the nervous system. Such chemicals are used not only to kill bedbugs, but also as protective barriers.
Get
The drug, called "Get", is considered the most effective. The key ingredient in the composition is chlorpyrifos. An element that has a paralyzing effect on the nervous system of insects. It is not dangerous to humans, but it completely destroys bed parasites.
Available in the form of a microencapsulated suspension on a water-lipid base. After surface treatment, the particles remain for several weeks. Once on the paws of pests, the product penetrates inside and begins destructive activity. But before dying, such a bug manages to infect hundreds more neighbors.
Russian drug, sold in lightproof bottles of 100 ml. This is enough to treat a room of up to 100 square meters. m. Long-lasting product - the protective effect lasts up to six months.
Fufanon
Another, no less popular insecticide, odorless. Sold in the form of a liquid concentrate, packaged in ampoules. Dilute in dosage according to the attached instructions.
The drug is applied to surfaces or sprayed. The substance is toxic, so protective measures are required when working with it.
Executioner
A drug that does not cause an allergic reaction, but is effective in killing parasites. The available form of release is a concentrated emulsion, which is diluted in warm water.
The proportions are taken according to the recommendations from the instructions. Dosages depend on the degree of damage to the apartment by bloodsuckers.
Xulat
A new generation Spanish drug that is not yet commercially available. Sold only through dealers and the Internet. The price of one bottle is about 400 rubles, which is enough to treat 40 square meters. m.
It is a three-component insecticide, without volatile substances in the composition. It acts on parasites instantly - after a single treatment they are completely destroyed. The residual effect lasts for 6-7 months. The advantage of the product is that bedbugs have not developed immunity to it.
Delta Zone
Another new composition with an insecticidal spectrum of action on insects, based on deltamethrin. A fairly highly effective poison, microencapsulated type.
Notable for the bright orange 50 ml bottle in which the emulsion is sold. For 1 liter of water, take 10-15 ml of the poisonous composition. Apply to surfaces, leave for several hours and wash off with clean water.
Do bed bugs smell?
The question of whether house bugs smell is relevant, since in most cases bites appear on the body, and a specific smell is not felt in the room. Bed parasites also emit pheromones, but when the number of insects is small, the emitted odor dissipates and is practically not felt.
At the same time, most people do not know what exactly a bed bug smells like, and therefore cannot promptly identify the specific smell that appeared in the apartment.
This type of ectoparasite emits a smell vaguely reminiscent of old cognac. When people are constantly in an apartment, they get used to it and cannot catch it. However, a specific smell can be felt if you enter the house after a long walk in the fresh air. And this is already a reason to inspect sleeping places for bedbugs.
Smell in the apartment
Only a person who knows it well can notice the smell of bedbugs in an apartment. For people who have never encountered it, it is almost impossible to determine the cause of this incomprehensible stench.
In addition, a specific smell appears only when parasites multiply massively. Therefore, initially, the appearance of bed bugs in the house can be detected, for the most part, only by bites on the body, since the vital activity of bed bugs directly depends on human blood.
If there is a smell in the apartment, but there are no bites on the body, you need to sort through your food supplies. Mucoed beetles and weevils emit a similar smell. They can be found in grocery stocks.
- Unbearable!...
Crayons and powders
Powders (dusts) and chalks against bedbugs are convenient to use, but have a number of disadvantages:
- crumble;
- settle on furniture and other objects in the form of dust;
- the impact begins when the insect comes into direct contact with them.
Because of this, the result from them is not as strong as from previous forms. Not suitable for use in premises with high parasitic infestation.
Crayons usually serve as protective barriers. The most famous chalk is Mashenka. Sold in plastic packaging, it looks like regular children's chalk.
They outline the possible routes of movement of bedbugs and the areas of greatest concentration. Crossing such a line, the parasites become dirty, only then does the destructive effect of the pesticide begin.
Hector
A powdered type of chemical preparation against bedbug infestations. Valued for a number of factors:
- without heavy odor;
- does not contain insecticidal substances in its chemical composition;
- ease of use;
- no need for preliminary preparation of the solution.
The product completely destroys even individuals with developed resistance to various chemicals. This is due to its unique composition, which includes silicon dioxide. The powder is endowed with moisture-absorbing properties, so upon contact with it, the pest becomes dehydrated. The cost of one bottle is 500-600 rubles.
How to get rid of bedbug smell?
Disinsection helps to destroy these ectoparasites in the apartment, but even after it, the smell of bed bugs can be felt in the house for a long time. This is due to the fact that the stench in the absence of insects is emitted by the remaining products of their vital activity. General cleaning will help get rid of this specific smell.
First of all, you should examine mattresses and cracks in the wooden parts of beds, sofas, and armchairs. It is in them that bedbugs most often live and form entire colonies. You should also carefully inspect all seams and folds of the furniture upholstery. Even in the absence of insects, their metabolic products could remain in them. In this case, you need to thoroughly vacuum everything, brush it with a hard-bristled brush, and then wash it with soapy water. After this, the room should be well ventilated.
Residues of bedbugs can be behind baseboards and loose wallpaper. Therefore, if cleaning does not solve the problem, it is necessary to carry out cosmetic repairs. Otherwise, the stench will be felt for a long time.
Aerosols
To combat bedbugs, you should pay attention to aerosol options. Most of them are fragrance-free, but there are a few with a rather pleasant aroma.
Dichlorvos "Neo"
Russian products. Today, one of the most accessible and cheapest aerosol-type products against bedbugs. Does not have a pungent odor.
Easy to use, does not require dilution. Sold ready-made for its intended use. However, the duration of action is short and parasites quickly develop immunity to it. Therefore, it is recommended to choose something else for re-processing.
When working with it, personal protective equipment is required. The windows and doors are pre-closed to prevent drafts. After disinfection, leave the room for half an hour. It is recommended to spray the drug locally - on places where parasites and larvae accumulate.
Raptor
Universal aerosol for all types of crawling insects. The active ingredient is cypermethrin, a powerful insecticide that has a detrimental effect on the nervous system of blood-sucking insects.
Once on the chitinous shell, the toxin begins to act instantly. From this moment on, the treated insect becomes a deadly weapon for its fellows.
The aerosol exudes a floral aroma, which is why it is in demand. Before use, protect yourself from getting the drug on your skin.
Combat
Systemic spectrum drug against bedbugs and other domestic parasites. The active components in the composition are peritroids. Aerosol with mint-lemon scent. It has a nerve-paralytic effect on bloodsuckers.
In addition, Kombat has an antifungal and antiseptic effect, which is beneficial for living quarters.
Spray the infected areas and places where parasites are located, after which they are removed from the apartment for 2-3 hours. Subsequently, they do a general cleaning. Repeated treatment is carried out after a week.
