How Strong is a Cockroach’s Sense of Smell?
WouterScientists have recently discovered that the brain of a cockroach is capable of recognizing the spatial location of odorants. This discovery is a major step in understanding how insects process information. In insects, the olfactory system comprises several types of sensory cells, which are located in the cuticular sensilla. Moreover, these cells contain olfactory receptors that interact with specific olfactory molecules. These olfactory receptors can extend to the length of a cockroach’s body, providing information on the spatial location of the odorant.
The strong sense of smell of cockroaches allows them to identify objects they’re interested in. For example, they will be attracted to sweet food. The sweet smell of apple pie potpourri, an unsealed sugar bowl, or an open box of sweet cereal can be used as a lure. Additionally, roaches can be attracted to certain scents, including those from garbage, compost piles, and dirty laundry. For this reason, it’s important to limit the smells in your home.
Regardless of their size or type, cockroaches have very strong senses of smell. Their characteristic odor is not pleasant to us, and it grows worse when a cockroach infestation takes hold. A single roach may give off a musty, oily odor, and even a dead cockroach can give off a foul odor. This is because the dead cockroach’s body and legs release chemicals, which have a foul smell.
