Farmers, homeowners, and business owners always wonder – do pesticide smell? The simple answer is pesticides often smell. Some pesticides have a strong odor, while others do not. Those with a strong odor are not usually lethal, but many people have come to associate a pesticide odor with toxicity.
What you need to know is that the pesticide’s odor has nothing to do with how toxic the pesticide is. While this is true, the strong odor can make people sick or affect their health
How to Get Rid of Pesticide Smell
Conventional pesticides used in and around the home include insecticides, fungicides, termiticides, rodenticides, and disinfectants. These products are available as liquids, sprays, crystals, foggers, balls, and sticks.
When used indoors, the smell will linger. It will linger on your clothing, furniture, carpets, and rugs. The reason why the smell lingers is that most pesticides have formaldehyde as a base. Others have sulfur as a base. To get rid of pesticide smell, follow these steps:
Step One
To get rid of lingering pesticide smells in clothing, add one or two cups of vinegar in your wash load. Add regular detergent and run the washing machine through a normal cycle and second rinse. Air dry your clothes.
If the pesticide smell still lingers, run a second round of washing.
Step Two
For pesticide smells lingering in the home, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the contents on your drapes, rugs, carpets, and furniture. The mixture will penetrate the fibers removing the odor as it dries.
Sprinkle baking soda under kitchen cabinets, along baseboards and other areas of application. Allow the baking soda to absorb the odors. Twelve hours is sufficient time, but for best results, we recommend 18 to 24 hours.
Step Three
Mix dish detergent and water in a bucket. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe all baking soda residue from the surfaces. Vacuum your carpets, rugs, and furniture before disposing of the vacuum bag in the trash can outdoors.
While it’s not related to pesticide smell, the following tips from the video can help in getting rid of pesticides smell:
How Long Does the Pesticide Smell Last?
A pesticide formulation is a mixture of active and inert ingredients. The active ingredient is the substance that repels or kills a pest. This substance also acts as a desiccant defoliant, nitrogen stabilizer, or plant regulator.
You may find pesticide formulations with synergists. This is a type of active ingredient that enhances the pesticide’s ability to kill or repel pests by using the minimal amount of active ingredient.
A good example is insecticides with pyrethrin. Such products have n-octyl bicycloheptane dicarboximide as a synergist.
Inert ingredients aid in the application of active ingredients. An example of an inert ingredient is a solvent such as chloroform or carbon tetrachloride. It helps to dissolve the active ingredient.
What you need to know is that pesticide odors are also related to a warning agent. This is a substance added to the pesticide product to make it easier for users to detect.
The human sense of smell relies on receptors in the nose to detect chemical odors. Detecting chemical odors varies from person to person. It also depends on the frequency or duration of exposure.
According to experts, pesticide odor can linger for days or even weeks after the initial application. This is because the chemical odor gets trapped in the air, the fibers of the drapes, carpets, rugs, and furniture.
Pesticide vs. Herbicide vs. Insecticide Smell
The pesticide is a collective term referring to chemical substances used to kill, repel, or control pests. Examples of pesticides include:
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- Insecticides – kills or repels insects
- Herbicides – kills unwanted plants such as weeds
- Bactericides – kills bacteria
- Rodenticides – kills rodents such as mice and rats
- Fungicides – kills fungi
- Larvicides – kills larvae
In general, pesticides have odors. When people smell the odor of a pesticide, they are not necessarily smelling the active ingredient. What they may be smelling is a solvent, a warning agent, or a breakdown product such as sulfur.
Raid smell
When it comes to a specific pesticide such as a herbicide or insecticide, the case is different. Take the example of an insecticide such as Raid. You may come across unscented Raid, which smells like a kerosene spill. Lemon-scented Raid also smells like a kerosene spill but with a hint of lemon.
If you inhale the odor of Raid accidentally, it can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat. It can also cause wheezing, itching on the skin, headache, and dizziness. This is because it contains prallethrin and cypermethrin.
Roundup smell
One of the most popular herbicides in the US is Roundup. This is a systemic broad-spectrum herbicide formulated from the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate. Roundup has very little odor, but it also depends on the formulation.
Buctril smell
Another commonly used herbicide is Buctril. As a broadleaf herbicide, its formulated with bromoxynil. Effective when sprayed on active growing weeds, it has an aromatic odor.
Here is a table that summarizes the smell of pesticides vs. Herbicides vs. Insecticides:
| Type | Ingredients | Brand Name | Smell |
| Pesticide – Bactericide | Dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride | Physan 20 | faint almond-like odor |
| Pesticide – Rodenticide | Bromadiolone 0.005% | DPD Brigand SB – Soft Bait | peanuts |
| Pesticide – Fungicide | Copper Octanoate | Bonide 811 Copper 4E | metal-like |
| Pesticide – Larvicides | Methoprene | Altosid Pro-G | faint fruity odor |
| Herbicide | Glyphosate, isopropylamine salt | Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer | vinegar-like |
| Insecticide | geraniol, lemongrass oil, pyrethroids, piperonyl butoxide, and permethrin | Raid | lemon, lavender and kerosene spill |
What to Do If Apartment Smells Like Pesticide
Exposure to odors can result in mild discomfort to more severe symptoms. Some pesticides with strong odors may cause nose, eye, lung, or throat irritation. These strong odors may also cause a burning sensation leading to wheezing, coughing, and other breathing problems.
Here are tips to help you get rid of pesticide smells from your apartment.
Air out Your Smelly Apartment
Airing out your smelly apartment will help to get rid of the pesticide smell. If the weather cooperates, you can open the windows and allow fresh air in. Alternatively, you can use a fan to invite fresh air into the apartment. This will help to improve indoor air quality.
Neutralize Fabrics and Fibers
Pesticide smells linger in fabric and fibers of your furniture, curtains, carpets, and rugs. To remove the odor, sprinkle a baking soda and allow it to sit for 24 hours. Afterward, vacuum to remove the particulate from the fabrics and fibers.
Use Lemons
If you have a faint smell of pesticides lingering in your kitchen apartment, cut two lemons in half and boil them in water. The steam will disperse the lemon’s aroma and neutralize the pesticide smell.
If the problem persists, check with your local health department.
Does Termite Spray Smell?
Termites are bad news. These destructive pests can destroy your home, decreasing its value. They eat away at the plaster and wood, and within a few short years or months, your home will suffer significant damage.
To get rid of termites, you need to call a local pest exterminator. The technicians will inspect your home before providing a solution. One of the most common solutions for getting rid of termites is a termite spray.
For example, Bayer Premise Foam Termiticide, or Terro Ant and Termite Killer Aerosol Spray. Bayer Premise Foam Termiticide controls and kills termite and ant infestations. Safe and easy to use, it emits no odor.
Terro Ant and Termite Killer aerosol spray comes with a 2-way precision spray nozzle. As such, it allows the application of the termiticide into cracks and crevices. Suitable for use indoors and outdoors, its a non-staining spray that leaves no unpleasant odors.
As such, they are safe for you, your family, and your pets.
What Pesticide Smells Like Garlic, Mothballs, Gas, Sulfur, Skunk, Mint, Paint?
Garlic
Pesticides that smell like garlic were those formulated with inorganic compounds of arsenic, but today, the use of arsenic in pesticides is highly restricted.
You can make homemade garlic pesticide. The active sulfur compounds in garlic makes it a powerful pesticide. As such, it can eliminate fungus and pests.
Mothballs
The active ingredient in mothballs is naphthalene, which gives the pesticide its distinct smell.
Gas
Chlordane is an organochlorine substance commonly used as a termiticide. White in color, it produces a slightly pungent, chlorine-like smell.
Sulfur
Sulfur is found in a majority of commercial fungicides used to control brown rot of peaches and powdery mildew of hops and apples. Its also found in insecticides and rodenticides. Sulfur has a rotten smell and is of low toxicity.
Skunk
The main ingredient in pesticides that emit a skunk smell is thiol. Thiol is an organosulfur compound similar to phenols and alcohols.
Mint
Mint-X is a specially designed treatment system that helps to control pests. Its formulated with the least amount of chemicals with low impact to you, your family, and pets.
Paint
Insecticides such as Raid have a kerosene-like odor similar to paint.
How Long Does Bug Spray Smell Last?
Bug spray smell lasts for two to eight hours after the initial application. Before application, remove people and pets from the area of treatment. If on clothing or skin, take off contaminated clothing and rinse your skin for 15 to 20 minutes.
List of Pesticides With Strong Smell
The following are pesticides with strong smell:
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- Fungicides – CuPRO 5000 Fungicide
- Herbicides – Nufarm Triplet SF
- Insecticides – Raid Ant & Roach Killer Outdoor Fresh
- Disinfectants – Metrex 13-1000 CaviCide Surface Disinfectant
- Mothballs – BAYY Natural Mothballs Anti-Mold Camphor Ball
- Rodenticides – JT Eaton Bait Block Rodenticide
- Larvicide – Clarke – Natular DT Mosquito Larvicide
List of Pesticides Without or Little Smell
The following are pesticides without or little smell:
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- Fungicides – Actinovate Organic Fungicide
- Herbicides – RM43 43-Percent Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
- Insecticides – Talstar Professional Insecticide Pest Control
- Disinfectants – Lysol Clean and Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Larvicides – ZOECON Altosid Pro-G Mosquito Larvicide
- Rodenticides – 707 Safeguard 7388 All Natural 6 oz Rat & Mouse Killer Pellets
- Termiticides – Bayer Premise Foam Termiticide or Terro Ant and Termite Killer Aerosol Spray
Pesticide Smell Side Effects
Pesticides enter our bodies during clean-up operations, applying, and mixing. Inhalation of pesticides occurs when working with vapors, airborne droplets, and powders. Low-pressure applications have a fairly low hazard. You may wonder why.
This is because the droplets are too large to remain in the air. If you apply pesticides with fogging equipment or with high-pressure ultra-low volume equipment, the hazard increases. This is because the droplets are smaller and can travel in the air for considerable distances.
Pregnant women
Exposure of pesticides to pregnant women through inhalation can cause harm to the unborn child and mother. In fact, it may lead to:
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- Learning problems during the early years of the baby
- Miscarriage – pregnancy termination before 20 weeks of pregnancy
- Low birth weight – less than 2500 g
- Premature birth – childbirth before 37 weeks of pregnancy
- Birth defects
Children
Pesticides have detrimental effects on young children too. A 2012 study revealed evidence showing a link between pesticides and psychomotor, neonatal reflexes, and mental development. It also showed a link between pesticides and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Young children are vulnerable to toxins and chemical substances found in pesticides. This is because their organs are not fully developed. Since they are in a critical period of development, exposure can cause permanent damage.
Exposure to pesticides occurs as children crawl on floors, play with toys or objects they find in the environment, and explore them orally.
Avoid pesticides while pregnant
To avoid pesticides at home or garden during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, pregnant women should:
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- Wash their hands before eating
- Wash and scrub fruits and vegetables
- Peel fruits and vegetables
- Eat organic foods
- Avoid exposure to agricultural areas using pesticides.
What to use instead of pesticides when you have children
At home, parents should:
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- Use sticky traps or mouse traps instead of pesticides
- Should remove food and dishes before using pesticides
- Wash all surfaces after application of pesticides
- Open all windows to allow fresh air.
- Read instructions and warnings on product labels.
- Follow the instructions and warnings.
- Wear protective gear during application
- Hire a professional to apply pesticides in and around your home.
Remember, never spray pesticides on a windy or rainy day. The wind can blow the chemical substances while the rain runs them into places such as the vegetable garden or swimming pool.
What Do Pesticides Taste Like?
A study by Professor Gilles Eric Seralini revealed that humans could identify pesticides by taste. The experiment involved 195 blind tests. Carried out by 36 professionals from the wine and culinary industries, the tests included wines produced in Italy and France.
Sixteen pairs of organic and non-organic wines produced in France and Italy underwent tests for over 250 pesticides. Out of the organic wines, only a single bottle had traces of pesticides. In the non-organic wines, there were 4686 ppb of different pesticides.
Among the 71 participants who detected pesticides, 57% were able to identify the exact wine containing the pesticide. The participants described the taste of pesticides present in the wines. They described a strong dryness, acid, acrid, and limestone taste. Others described a taste of putrefied wood, drying, and bitterness.
The most common description of tastes of pesticides was a “papilla blockade” and “drying effect.”