Dealing with a dead animal in your house can be an unpleasant experience.
However, there are practical steps you can take to find and remove the deceased animal to restore comfort and cleanliness to your home.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify and locate a dead animal, no matter how bad the situation may seem.
After reading this, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this issue with patience and the right tools.Â
Let’s get straight to the point
To locate and remove a dead animal in your home, start by identifying the smell, which worsens over time, and look for signs like flies, stains, or pets acting strangely.
Use gloves, a flashlight, and other tools to safely handle and dispose of the carcass, then thoroughly clean and disinfect the area.
In difficult-to-reach places, like inside walls, you may need to call a handyman.
Afterwards, seal entry points to prevent future incidents and consider regular pest control. Following these steps can help you quickly address the issue and avoid future occurrences.
Why Should You Find a Dead Animal in Your House?
When an animal dies in your house, it can lead to various issues, ranging from bad odours to attracting pests.
The animal may have become trapped, been unable to find food or water, or experienced building damage.
It’s essential to locate and seal any entry points they may have used to access your home, especially within the insulation or wiring.
Not addressing this problem promptly can lead to worse consequences, such as harmful gases being released into your living space, which could affect your health.
Health Risks from Dead Animals
Dead animals in the home release dangerous gases such as hydrogen sulphide, methane, and ammonia, which can harm humans, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
Breathing in these gases can cause respiratory issues or illness, which is why it’s crucial to remove the animal as quickly as possible.
Tools You Need to Find and Remove a Dead Animal
Before starting your search, it’s important to gather the necessary tools to protect yourself and make the process more manageable. Here’s a list of the most essential items you’ll need:
Gloves
Latex or non-porous gloves are necessary to protect your hands from bacteria and other contaminants.
Flashlight
A strong, battery-powered flashlight is ideal for peeking into dark corners, under furniture, or in the attic.
Plastic Bags
Use large trash bags to safely dispose of the dead animal and any contaminated materials.
Rags and Towels
Rags or paper towels will help you clean up any mess, and soaking them in bleach can help disinfect the area.
Rubber Gloves
For extra protection, especially when dealing with particularly dirty areas, rubber gloves are recommended.
What Does a Dead Animal Smell Like?
The most obvious sign of a dead animal in your home is the foul odour it emits. The smell of a dead animal is often hard to miss, especially in enclosed spaces.
The scent comes from the decomposition of the body, releasing gases like pyruvic acid, methane, and ammonia. This putrid smell gets worse with time, so it’s crucial to act quickly.
Dead animals, particularly rodents, may be hidden in walls or air vents, making the smell even more intense as the gases are released into your home.
The smell alone is a good indicator that something has died, but you’ll need to investigate further to pinpoint the source.
A Guide to Locating the Dead Animal
Step 1: Identify the Odour
The first step in locating a dead animal is to follow your nose. The smell will usually become stronger as you get closer to the source.
Pay attention to areas where the odour is most intense. Common places where dead animals may be trapped include:
- Inside walls
- Under the floorboards
- In air vents or ducts
- In the attic or crawl spaces
Step 2: Look for Flies and Insects
Flies, especially blowflies, are often attracted to dead animals. These flies are typically larger, with metallic-looking bodies.
If you see a sudden increase in flies, especially near windows or walls, it’s likely they are being drawn to the decomposing body of an animal.
In some cases, you may also see maggots or other insects indicating the presence of a carcass.
Step 3: Check for Stains on Walls and Ceilings
As dead animals decompose, their bodies may release fluids that can cause stains. If you notice dark stains on your walls, ceilings, or floors, especially near areas where the smell is strongest, this could be a sign that an animal has died nearby.
Step 4: Use Your Pets
Pets like dogs and cats can often help locate dead animals. Their keen sense of smell can lead them to areas where the odour is the strongest.
Watch your pet’s behaviour, especially if they seem fixated on a particular part of the house.
What to Do Once You’ve Found the Dead Animal
After locating the dead animal, it’s time to remove and dispose of it. Follow these steps to ensure you’re doing so safely:
Step 1: Use Gloves
Always wear gloves when handling a dead animal to protect yourself from bacteria and potential diseases.
Step 2: Remove the Animal
If the dead animal is within reach, use gloves or a stick covered with paper towels to pick it up. Place the animal in a plastic bag and seal it tightly.
Step 3: Clean the Area
After removing the animal, thoroughly clean the area with disinfectant. Use bleach-soaked rags to clean surfaces and ensure all germs are eliminated.
Step 4: Dispose of the Animal
Dispose of the sealed bag in your outside rubbish bin. If you’re concerned about other animals getting into it, consider double-bagging the carcass.
Step 5: Air Out the House
Once the area is clean, air out the room to eliminate any lingering smells. This might take a few hours, but opening windows and using fans can help speed up the process.
Dealing with Difficult Situations
Sometimes, dead animals may be stuck in areas that are hard to reach, such as behind walls or in the ceiling. In such cases, you may need to take additional steps to remove the carcass:
Call a Handyman
If you suspect the dead animal is inside a wall, you might need to hire a professional handyman to remove a section of the wall to access it.
Follow the Flies
If you can’t pinpoint the location of the smell or the body, look for areas where flies are gathering. They’ll often swarm near the dead animal, making it easier to locate.
Recognise New Pests
As the body of the dead animal decays, you might notice an increase in pests like flies, maggots, and ants. These insects are drawn to decomposing organic matter, and their presence can help guide you to the source.
Preventing Future Incidents
After removing the dead animal, it’s important to take steps to prevent this from happening again.
Seal Entry Points
Check for any gaps, cracks, or holes in your home’s exterior where animals could enter. Common entry points include:
- Vents
- Chimneys
- Gaps around doors and windows
Regular Pest Control
Investing in regular pest control services can help keep unwanted animals out of your home. Regular inspections will help identify potential issues before they turn into problems.
Clear Out Clutter
Dead animals often seek out quiet, undisturbed areas to nest. Keeping your home clean and free of clutter will make it less attractive to pests.
Conclusion
Finding a dead animal in your house is never a pleasant experience, but knowing how to locate and remove it can make the process less stressful.
By following the odour, checking for flies, and keeping an eye out for stains or other indicators, you can quickly locate the source of the smell and deal with it appropriately.
If the animal is stuck in a hard-to-reach place, don’t hesitate to call in a professional to help with the removal.
And most importantly, take steps to prevent animals from entering your home again by sealing entry points and keeping your space clean and clutter-free.
By being proactive, you can ensure this unpleasant experience doesn’t happen again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Hire A Professional To Locate The Dead Animal?
Yes, pest control or wildlife removal services specialise in locating and safely removing dead animals, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
How Can I Prevent Dead Animals From Entering My House?
Regularly inspect your property for potential entry points and seal them. Keep food sources properly stored and maintain a clean environment to deter pests.
Will The Dead Animal Attract Other Pests Or Cause Health Problems?
Yes, the scent can attract insects and other scavengers. Dead animals can also carry diseases, so prompt removal is essential.
What If I Can’t Locate The Dead Animal But Still Smell It?
In such cases, it might be concealed or within walls. Consider seeking professional help to use specialised equipment for detection.
How Can I Remove The Lingering Odour After Removing The Dead Animal?
Clean affected areas with vinegar and water, use baking soda to absorb odour and consider using commercial odour eliminators or professional cleaning services.
