I’m wondering if the guy had a shellfish allergy? Many of the same substances in shellfish shells are also in insect exoskeletons (chitin, etc.)
Palmetto bugs- the big Florida "state bird" wood roaches that live in palm trees, not the tiny nasty things that infest sloppy households- smell exactly like almond extract when you squish them.
They do get inside once in a while because they are attracted to light and water so there is always a chance you'll have one slip unseen through a door as people are dropping by in the evening only to come sailing out unexpectedly to fly great glorious loops over the dining room table when you have guests from up north... and whenever the good Lord thinks you need humiliation.
On the plus side such an airshow has a way of keeping people from overstaying their welcome.