wow, that is strange ... mine have never been so strong I could smell them, (but my sense of smell isnt that good, anyway) ... I've used them ever since the SHELL NO-Pest Strip was taken off the market years ago ... I used them, but I guess they were too toxic, or something ... ??? ... never had bugs, either ... just one in the same room should do the trick ... let us know what happens after a couple of days with the strip ... good luck ...