In the article
Last Updated on 03/06/2025 by Tony Abrahams
Yes, bed bugs do smell—and if your bedroom suddenly has a strange sweet or musty odour, it could be the first warning sign of a serious infestation. The scent they release can be subtle at first, but in larger numbers, it’s hard to miss.
Homeowners often describe it as a mix between rotting berries, coriander, and mouldy clothes. If you’re sniffing something funky near your bed and can’t quite place it—this might be your answer.
So let’s break it down: what exactly do bed bugs smell like, when does it become noticeable, and most importantly—what should you do if you think you’ve found the source?
What Causes Bed Bugs to Smell?
Bed bugs do smell
Bed bugs have scent glands that release what’s known as an alarm pheromone. It’s their way of communicating danger or distress, especially when they’re disturbed, squashed, or overcrowded. In light bed bug infestations, the smell is usually too faint for us to notice. But as the infestation grows or if you disturb a nest (say by stripping the bed or flipping the mattress), the smell becomes unmistakable.
What Does a Bed Bug Smell Like?
Here’s how homeowners commonly describe the smell:
| Smell Description | Common Comparisons |
| Sweet and musty | Overripe raspberries, rotting fruit |
| Sharp or herbal | Crushed coriander, sour herbs |
| Mouldy or sweaty | Damp laundry, old socks |
| Rusty or metallic (heavy infestation) | Old blood, iron |
If your nose picks up one of these strange odours especially near your mattress, headboard, or couch, it’s time to take a closer look.
Is the Smell Strong?
That depends on how many bed bugs are present.
- Small infestation: No noticeable smell
- Medium infestation: Slightly sweet or musty scent near bed or furniture
- Large infestation: Strong, room-filling odour—often unpleasant
The scent tends to build gradually and is often mistaken for dirty laundry or damp carpet, until the infestation explodes and the smell becomes overwhelming.
Other Signs That Confirm It’s Bed Bugs (Not Just a Weird Smell)
A strange smell alone isn’t always proof—it could be mildew, pets, or dirty laundry. So here’s what else to look for:
Visual Signs:
- Black spots on sheets or mattress seams (bed bug faeces)
- Rust-coloured stains (blood smears from crushed bugs)
- Shed skins or eggshells (tiny, pale yellow)
- Live bed bugs (tiny, brown, apple-seed shaped)
Physical Clues:
- Itchy red bites in lines or clusters (especially on arms, neck, or face)
- Waking up feeling itchy or irritated without a visible pest
Bed Bug Bites in Australia: How to Find, Treat and Prevent Bed Bugs Fast
Bed Bug Smell vs. Other Household Odours
Let’s clear up the confusion between a bed bug infestation and common household smells:
| Odour Type | Smell Profile | Likely Source | Key Difference |
| Bed Bugs | Sweet, musty, rotten berries | Mattress, headboard, couch | Localised near sleeping areas |
| Mould/Mildew | Damp, earthy | Bathroom, carpet, behind walls | Related to moisture, visible mould |
| Dirty Laundry | Sour, sweaty | Clothes basket, under bed | Disappears after cleaning |
| Cockroaches | Oily, pungent | Kitchen, pantry | More foul, often spreads through house |
| Stink Bugs | Sharp, acrid | Windows, light fixtures | Only when crushed, very strong |
What to Do If You Smell Bed Bugs
Use The Bed Bug Isolation Method If You Smell Bed Bugs
If you’ve detected that odd, sweet-musty scent near your bed — and you’re finding other signs like black spots, bites, or shed skins — don’t panic. But don’t wait, either. Bed bugs don’t leave on their own, and the longer you delay, the worse it gets.
The Best Way to Treat Bed Bugs? Use the Isolation Method.
Forget tossing out your mattress or paying thousands for a pest controller. Our Isolation Method is the easiest, safest, and most effective DIY solution to eliminate bed bugs — permanently.
Here’s how it works:
✅ Step-by-Step Isolation Method:
| Step | Action | Product Used |
| 1. Kill instantly | Use a high-pressure handheld steamer to kill all visible bed bugs, eggs, and nymphs on the mattress, ensemble base, couch and cracks | 🔥 Handheld Bed Bug Steamer |
| 2. Trap and kill long-term | Apply Bed Bug Killer Diatomaceous Earth (DE) powder around bed legs and base to kill bugs over days as they try to reach you | 💀 Bed Bug Killer DE Powder |
| 3. Protect your bed | Seal your mattress and ensemble base with bed bug-proof covers to trap and starve any hidden bugs | 🛡️ Mattress & Base Covers |
| 4. Block their access | Place bed leg barrier traps under each leg to isolate your bed and prevent bugs from climbing up | 🚫 Bed Leg Barrier Traps |
| 5. Prevent spread | Keep the bed 30cm away from walls and furniture, and avoid bedding touching the floor | ✅ Simple prevention step |
Why It Works:
- Kills bugs immediately using steam — chemical-free and safe
- Stops infestations from returning thanks to long-lasting Diatomaceous Earth
- Isolates your bed so bugs are forced to cross the powder and die
- Safe for kids, pets, and homes — no toxins, no re-treatment
- One-time setup — no weekly sprays or ongoing pest control bills
This method targets bed bugs where they hide, where they walk, and where they bite. You don’t need sprays. You don’t need to evacuate your house. You just need to follow the proven Isolation System — and your bed will be bite-free, guaranteed.
Want Peace of Mind Tonight?
You can smell them. You can beat them.
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Why Homeowners Love Our DIY Treatment
DIY Bed Bug Treatment Powder
- Instant kill: Use steam to hit live bugs on contact.
- Long-term protection: Diatomaceous Earth powder continues killing bugs for years.
- No harsh chemicals: Safe for kids, pets, and your mattress.
- One application only: No repeat treatments needed.
- Affordable: Fraction of the cost of a pest controller.
Frequently Asked Questions: Do Bed Bugs Smell?
- What does a bed bug smell like?
Bed bugs are often described as smelling sweet, musty, or like overripe fruit—especially when disturbed or in large numbers. Some people say the scent reminds them of rotting raspberries or mouldy coriander, while others describe it as a general dirty or damp smell near the bed. - Can you smell bed bugs before you see them?
Yes, but it’s rare in small infestations. The smell usually becomes noticeable only when the infestation is moderate to severe. It’s often strongest around the mattress, headboard, or soft furniture. If you smell something strange in your bedroom and can’t find the source, check for other signs like bites or black spots on sheets. - Does the bed bug smell go away after treatment?
Yes. Once you’ve killed all the bed bugs and cleaned the area, the smell will fade. Using a DIY Isolation Method with steam, Diatomaceous Earth, mattress covers, and bed leg traps not only removes the bugs but also stops the smell at its source—giving you long-term peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Nose—and Your Instincts
If your bedroom smells like weird berries, sour herbs, or old gym clothes—and that scent just won’t quit—it’s time to investigate. Yes, bed bugs do smell. And that smell is your early warning system. Combine it with a quick inspection, and you’ll likely get the answer fast.
Don’t wait for the infestation to take over. Treat your home once and for all with our proven, long-lasting DIY treatment system.
Are You Looking for an Organic DIY Treatment?
Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For An Ensemble Bed
Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For A Bed with Slats
If you have enjoyed our blog, Do Bed Bugs Smell?, then you might like to read our blog, What Smells Do Bed Bugs Hate?
Sources: Do Bed Bugs Smell?
University of Kentucky Entomology: Bed Bugs FAQs
This source explains how bed bugs release a musty, sweet smell from their scent glands, especially in large infestations.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Bed Bugs – Get Them Out and Keep Them Out
The EPA details signs of infestations, including odours, and offers tips for detection and control.
National Pest Management Association – PestWorld.org
This site outlines common bed bug signs, including smells, fecal marks, and the importance of early detection.
Tony pioneered a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution for bedbug infestations. His innovation won the ABC TV show “The New Inventors” in 2009. In 2012, he successfully registered Diatomaceous Earth for bedbug control in Australia.
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