Why Do Cockroaches Smell So Bad?

No one wants a cockroach infestation, but even worse is when they die and leave their carcasses behind.

As if the bugs themselves weren’t bad enough, their smell can be powerful and difficult to eliminate.

If you’ve got a roach problem and the stench is driving you crazy, don’t worry – we’re here to help!

This guide will teach you how to get rid of the cockroach smell in your home for good. Keep reading to learn more…

Reasons Cockroaches Smell Bad

Cockroaches have a very distinct smell that some people describe as oily or musty.

If you’ve ever stepped on a cockroach, the smell can be incredibly strong and complex to get rid of.

The main reason for this pungent odor is that cockroaches secrete pheromones – these are the chemicals that allow insects to communicate with one another.

Cockroaches also release their feces as they move around your home.

Like if cockroaches are moving from your bathroom to the kitchen, it’s leaving their feces behind on the way which can prove to be dangerous if not removed.

As cockroaches die, their bodies begin to decompose. This also contributes to the bad smell that is associated with these pests.

Also, if the cockroach is smashed to death, it may release a lot of sticky liquid that may release an odor.

Getting Rid of Cockroach Smell

Now that you know what causes the cockroach smell, it’s time to learn how to get rid of it.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have your home smelling fresh and clean in no time!

Step 1: Find the Nests and Carcasses

The first step is to find and remove the source of the smell. This means finding any cockroach nests or carcasses in your home.

Start by checking all the usual places cockroaches like to hide, such as under sinks, cabinets, and appliances.

Step 2: Prepare Yourself and Get Ready

Cockroaches and their droppings can carry harmful germs and bacteria.

So, to be completely safe, getting rid of their nest, droppings, and the carcass is very important.

But before you start, you should get yourself disposable vinyl gloves.

This will prevent any irritation that may be caused to your hand skin.

Step 3: Vacuum and Disinfect the Surfaces

Once you’ve located the cockroaches and their nests and are prepared, it’s time to clean the areas where they were infesting.

This step is very important because there may still be pheromones or feces present that can attract more cockroaches.

Start by thoroughly cleaning your home. This includes vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping all surfaces.

Be sure to clean the floors and surfaces with a disinfectant such as scum remover or a Clorox Clean-Up All-Purpose disinfectant.

Then treat them with an anti-roach solution to get rid of the smelly germs that the cockroach has laid around.

Be sure to pay special attention to areas where cockroaches are known to congregate, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

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Getting Rid of Cockroach Smell in Cupboard?

You’re not alone if you have a cockroach problem in your cupboards. Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in the United States.

And while they may be small, they can cause big problems – including a nasty smell.

Luckily, you can take steps to get rid of that cockroach smell and keep your cupboards pest-free.

1. The first step is to remove everything from the cupboard.
2. Once that is done, check all the sides and corners of the cupboard for any cockroach feces.
3. If you find any, you will need to use a disinfectant to spray the affected areas and leave it on for around 15 minutes.
4. After that, apply a light degreaser to various parts of the cupboard and let it sit for about five minutes. This will allow the cockroach poop to get softer for easy removal.
5. Next, use a non-scratch scrubbing pad to clean all the surfaces that are affected by cockroach droppings in your painted or wooden spaces.
6. After the cabinet is clean and odor-free, dry it.

How Do You Remove Cockroach Smell on Clothes?

There are a few reasons that cockroaches might end up on your clothes.

One possibility is that they’re looking for food. Cockroaches are attracted to dirty laundry because it’s a good source of food scraps and other potential meals.

Another possibility is that they’re seeking out warmth. If your clothes are lying on the floor, they can provide an ideal hiding spot for cockroaches that are trying to escape the cold.

Finally, it’s also possible that cockroaches are simply using your clothes as a way to get from one place to another.

Regardless of the reason, finding cockroaches on your clothes is never a pleasant experience.

Thankfully, you can do a few things to help prevent their smell on your laundry…

1. The first step is to identify the source of the cockroach smell on your clothes.
2. Once you have done that, you need to put all the affected clothes in a garbage bag and seal it tightly.
3. Then, you will need to take the bag outside and place it in a trash can or bin. Leave it there for at least three days.
4. After that, you must wash the clothes in hot water and detergent. You can also add a cup of baking soda to the washing machine for extra freshness.
5. Once the clothes are clean, you must dry them in direct sunlight for at least two hours. The sunlight will help to eliminate any remaining cockroach smell.

How Can You Get Rid of Cockroach Smell in Your Microwave or Fridge?

Cockroaches are attracted to food, so it’s not surprising that they would be found in the kitchen.

Microwaves and fridges provide an ideal habitat for cockroaches because they are dark and humid.

Cockroaches also like to eat the same kinds of food that we do, so they are often attracted to these appliances because of the food that is left behind or stored in them.

So what can you do to get rid of the smell in these appliances?

1. The first step is to remove everything from the microwave or fridge.
2. Next, you will need to take a bowl of soapy water and heat it in the microwave for about two minutes.
3. After that, use a sponge or cloth to wipe down all surfaces inside your fridge/microwave.
4. If there are any caked-on food particles, you can use a toothbrush to scrub them off.
5. Once the inside of the microwave is clean, you will need to clean the exterior.
6. For that, you can use a damp cloth or a mild cleaner. Finally, dry the surfaces with a clean towel.

Other Related Questions:

What Smell Do Cockroaches Hate?

Cockroaches hate the smell of specific essential oils, including eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemon.

You can use these essential oils to make your natural cockroach repellent. Just add a few drops of the oil to a spray bottle filled with water and mist it around your home.

You can also add the oils to a bowl of water and place it near areas where cockroaches are likely to enter your home.

Do Cockroaches Have a Sense of Smell?

Cockroaches have an extremely sensitive sense of smell or a sensory system.

It was previously thought that cockroaches do not have a nose and are thus unaffected by most odorless cockroach bait products on the market.

But cockroaches, like other insects, possess a strong sense of smell.

How Long Does Cockroach Smell Last in Your Home?

Cockroach smell can last for quite some time in your home – up to two weeks.

The scent is usually strongest where the cockroaches have been living and breeding.

If you have a serious infestation, you may need to call a professional to help eliminate the pests and the bad smell.

The Conclusion

There’s nothing quite as disconcerting as finding a cockroach in your home.

And when you find one in your cabinets, clothes, fridge, or microwave, it can be especially unnerving.

Thankfully, you can do a few things to help prevent them and their musty poop smell from taking up residence in your home.

Just take simple precautions and follow the tips mentioned above. Hopefully, you can help keep these pests out of your life for good.

Just in case you see lots of cockroaches or their nests, you cant dispose of them yourself; the best way to deal with it is to call a professional exterminator.

They will have the experience and knowledge to safely and effectively remove all of the cockroaches and their foul odor from your home.