What does a stink bug smell like? With more than 5,000 stink bug species found worldwide, the exact odor can vary. Most people compare it to cilantro, coriander, skunk spray, or burnt rubber, although everyone may perceive the smell differently.
Now, if you’ve never had to deal with them or you’re not sure whether you’ve just crushed one, you probably ask yourself, what does a stink bug smell like? Why is it called a stink bug in the first place?
At first glance, the answer might be pretty obvious. Stink bugs don’t stink when they’re around. They’re mostly associated with horrible odors once they’re crushed, mainly because of some defensive chemicals they release from specialized glands. That’s why it’s never a good idea to crush them to get rid of them.
So, what does a stink bug smell like? Here’s everything you need to know about these bugs and their defense mechanism.
What Do Stink Bugs Actually Smell Like?
What does a stink bug smell like? There’s a general answer that a lot of people relate to, as well as individualized experiences. And that’s exactly what makes stink bugs so confusing.
Most people can compare it to one of the following or a mix of all of them:
- Coriander
- Cilantro
- Skunk
- Burnt rubber
It may seem difficult to imagine the smell, but you can usually associate stink bugs with one of these things.
Why Does Everyone Describe It Differently?
When researching what stink bugs smell like, you’ll be surprised that some people describe stink bugs in their regions as smelling like nothing at all. Some others may even associate them with other smells.
What makes a stink bug stink is the chemical released as a spray when in danger. So, stink bugs only stink when they’re crushed. When you go around them, you won’t sense anything unpleasant under normal circumstances.
These chemical sprays overlap with the ones used in flavorings for food, hence the association with a food, rather than a bad smell. But then, different people have different sensors. Your nose could pick up the same compounds in different ways. Or no way at all. Meaning, you won’t sense anything.
Of course, with over 5,000 species out there, you might be able to sense differences between stink bugs at home and stink bugs on the other side of the world while going on holiday.
Diet and the environment could add to the variety of smells too. People report smelling everything, from nothing at all to sweet smells like candy or disgusting smells like mildew or musty cucumber. Some others describe the smell as stinky, such as apple cider or strong vinegar.
Does Where You Live Change the Smell?
Most likely. However, stink bugs and what affects their odors aren’t thoroughly researched in every single region yet. Yes, they’re called stink bugs because they stink once they’re crushed. But what does a stink bug smell like? Ask people from different parts of the world and they’ll give you different answers.
It’s hard to tell if it’s the location or those people and their receptors. There are no actual facts about what could make people feel the odors released by stink bugs in different ways, but one thing is for sure. They’re expected to release some sort of bad odors, even if that’s not always the case.
Is the Smell Actually Harmful?
So, what does a stink bug smell like and how bad is it for people? The good news is that it makes no difference if you find the smell horrible or you don’t feel anything at all. All the chemicals released by stink bugs when crushed are safe for people and pets.
Sure, they may feel unpleasant and can bug a sensitive nose, but they’re not toxic, poisonous, or dangerous at all. Sure, they may feel unpleasant and can bug a sensitive nose, but they’re not toxic, poisonous, or dangerous at all. Although actual bites are uncommon, you can learn what happens if a stink bug bites you and when a skin reaction may require attention. Pets don’t know whether it’s harmful, so they’ll most likely turn around and go away due to the bitter taste and odor.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bug Smell
Ideally, you shouldn’t have to learn how to get rid of stink bug smell because most experts recommend getting rid of these insects without crushing them. If you haven’t had to deal with them, chances are you don’t know. Therefore, plenty of people make the mistake of crushing bugs whenever they spot them.
On a side note, instead of crushing a stink bug, try to vacuum it, then empty the canister or bag immediately so the odor does not spread indoors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that live and dead brown marmorated stink bugs can be removed indoors with a vacuum, although the vacuum itself may retain the odor for some time. You can also take it outdoors in a jar or cup if you find it inside your house, releasing it safely into the garden.
If the smell is too intense, make sure to aerate the room. It should be gone within hours. However, if you crush a stink bug on a carpet or other fabric, it could impregnate it. Wash the area with a detergent for fabrics and keep aerating. The smell should be completely gone within a day or two.
If you crush a stink bug on your skin, wash the area well, maybe a few times a day. The smell will be gone in less than a day.
More importantly, try to keep stink bugs away with natural deterrents that actually smell nice too, such as mint or citrus.