Cockroach

[philhughes]

What does a cockroach smell like? Is there any chemical in paints that smells similar?

[Norwich]

Can't help with the paint part of the question but I'd be surprised if anyone wanted to guarantee this smell in their house! It's unpleasant - some roaches give off a defensive odour if they feel threatened. A combination of faeces and gland secretions.

I make no claims for its artistic merit, but here's the start of a poem by Jan Sand found at http://www.artvilla.com/mair/sand23.htm
A strong bitter smell,
They make their own atmosphere,
A smell that penetrates, smothers, bites.
A breath from hell.
No fault of their's,
A gift from God,
A talent out of Darwin.
It serves them well