Stockpiling food for an emergency is a smart and responsible thing to do. However, if you live in an apartment or a neighborhood with close quarters, your stockpiling habits could have a major impact on the people around you. Certain types of food can create strong, unpleasant odors. They can also attract a host of unwanted pests. If you are not careful, your personal food stash could become a major nuisance that will make your neighbors hate you.
1. Durian Fruit
This is the king of all smelly foods. Durian is a tropical fruit that is famous for its incredibly pungent odor, which some people compare to rotting onions or gym socks. The smell is so powerful that it is banned on public transportation in many parts of Asia. If you try to stockpile and ripen a large amount of durian in your apartment, the smell will quickly seep through the walls and the hallways, and your neighbors will not be happy.
2. Large Quantities of Cabbage
Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, have a high sulfur content. When stored in large quantities, they can release a strong, unpleasant odor as they begin to age. This is especially true if you are using the cabbage to make a large batch of a fermented food like sauerkraut or kimchi. The powerful smell of fermentation can easily travel to your neighbors’ homes.
3. Bulk Fish Products
Fish, both canned and dried, have a very strong and distinctive smell. Stockpiling a large amount of canned tuna, sardines, or anchovies can create a noticeable fishy odor in your home. This is even more of a problem if you are buying dried or salted fish from an international market. The powerful smell can linger in the air and become a major annoyance for those who live near you.
4. Pungent, Aged Cheeses
A small amount of a pungent, aged cheese, like Limburger or a strong blue cheese, can be a delicious treat. However, stockpiling a large quantity of these “stinky” cheeses can be a different story. The powerful, ammonia-like smell of these cheeses can easily escape your refrigerator and permeate your entire living space. This is a smell that your neighbors will definitely notice.
5. Unsealed Bulk Pet Food
While not a food for humans, your pet’s food can be a major problem. A large, open, or unsealed bag of dry dog or cat food can create a strong, oily smell. More importantly, it is a massive attractant for pests. The smell will draw in rodents, cockroaches, and other unwanted creatures. These pests will not just stay in your apartment; they will quickly become a problem for the entire building.
6. Large Amounts of Bird Seed
Stockpiling large sacks of bird seed in a garage or on a patio is another invitation for pests. The seeds are a perfect food source for mice, rats, and squirrels. An improperly stored stash of bird seed can quickly lead to a major rodent infestation in your yard. This will inevitably become your neighbors’ problem as well.
A Considerate Stockpile
Being a responsible prepper is about more than just your own survival. It is also about being a good neighbor. When you are planning your food stockpile, you should always be mindful of the potential impact on those around you. You must store all of your food in airtight, sealed containers. This is especially true for these pungent and pest-attracting items. A little bit of consideration can go a long way in keeping the peace in your community.
Have you ever had a problem with a neighbor’s smelly food stash? What is the most pungent food you have ever had to store? Share your stories!
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