What notable odor is associated with the common bed bug?

The common bed bug is known for producing a notable foul odor, particularly when populations become large or when they are disturbed. This odor, often described as resembling the scent of rotten raspberries, is emitted from glands that bed bugs possess. This smell serves multiple purposes, including a communication signal to other bed bugs, indicating the presence of danger or distress, and a means to mark territory.

In smaller infestations, the odor may not be particularly noticeable, but as the infestation grows, the scent becomes more prominent and difficult to ignore. Identifying this odor can be an important factor for pest control operators, as it can indicate the presence of bed bugs even when they are not visually spotted. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for effective monitoring and intervention strategies in pest control practices.

The other answers present alternative scents or address the absence of odor, but they do not align with the established description and recognition of the common bed bug's distinctive foul smell.