Upon entering your home, you might be greeted by a revolting odour, leading you to check all the usual suspects—garbage bins, kitchen disposal, laundry baskets, or even the pets.
But what if the smell persists, and none of your cleaning efforts seem to help?
In this case, the culprit could be a dead animal hiding somewhere within your house or yard.
The stench of a decomposing animal can embed itself in the structure of your home, making it a challenge to remove.
However, if you’re wondering how to remove dead animal smell from your home, there are effective methods you can use to tackle the problem. Let’s explore these methods in detail.
Let’s get straight to the point
To remove the smell of a dead animal from your home, first locate and remove the carcass, preferably with the help of pest control professionals, to avoid health risks.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the area and address humidity issues using dehumidifiers or by improving ventilation.
Natural deodorisers like baking soda, ground coffee, and charcoal can help eliminate lingering odours. Moisture can intensify the smell, so keeping affected areas dry is crucial.
To prevent future incidents, seal entry points and avoid using poisons that may cause animals to die in hard-to-reach places. If overwhelmed, seek professional help.
First Things First: How Does The Smell Of A Dead Animal Permeate A Home?
The scent of a dead animal inside a home is typically characterised by a musty, decaying flesh odour.
As the body remains hidden for days, the stench worsens, eventually becoming unbearable.
At first, you might confuse it with other household smells, but over time, it becomes obvious that something unusual is causing the nauseating odour.
Get an Expert to Remove the Carcass Before Deodorising
Once you suspect that the source of the smell is a dead animal, the first step is to locate and remove the carcass.
This is often a job best left to pest control professionals, especially if the animal is in a difficult-to-reach location.
By hiring experts, you not only get the animal removed but can also prevent future infestations.
While the professionals are at your home, ask for a pest inspection. This ensures that any other hidden pests, such as mice, rats, or even stray cats, are also dealt with.
In some rare cases, the smell may originate from a larger animal, such as a dead possum or even a kangaroo, decaying outside the home.
Clean and Sanitise the Area After Removal
After the dead animal has been removed, it’s important to address two key factors: cleanliness and humidity.
Clean the Source of the Smell
Start by thoroughly cleaning the area where the odour is strongest. Many pest control companies offer cleaning and disinfection services to help with this.
If you’re cleaning yourself, it’s crucial to use a strong disinfectant and remove all organic matter that may have been left behind.
Don’t risk your health by attempting to clean areas contaminated by dead animals without the right protective gear.
Animals, even when alive, carry diseases, and improper handling can expose you to harmful bacteria.
Dehumidify and Improve Ventilation
Another factor that contributes to the lingering smell of a dead animal is humidity.
Moisture traps odours, making it harder to eliminate them. If you live in a humid climate or notice moisture build-up near the area, a dehumidifier can help.
Keeping crawlspaces, basements, or other areas where animals might hide dry and well-ventilated is key to avoiding bad smells in the future.
To further improve air circulation, open windows, turn on ceiling fans, or use box fans to ensure that air flows through the house efficiently. This will speed up the process of odour removal.
Effective Methods for Removing Dead Animal Smell
Now that the source of the smell is gone, you can focus on getting rid of any lingering odours. Here are several tried-and-tested methods to help remove the stench of a dead animal.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a fantastic natural deodoriser. If you don’t know the exact location of the dead animal, you can still use baking soda to freshen the air.
Simply mix it with water and spray the solution around the affected area. Doing this a few times a day can help absorb the odour.
Ground Coffee
Another simple solution is to use coffee grounds. Place ground coffee or coffee filter packs in the area where the smell is strongest. The coffee will naturally absorb the foul odour and leave a more pleasant scent behind.
Charcoal Briquettes
Charcoal is another great odour absorber. Purchase charcoal briquettes and place them strategically around the house to neutralise the smell of the dead animal.
Charcoal works quickly and effectively, making it a popular solution for homeowners dealing with bad smells.
Why Moisture Is Your Enemy When Removing Dead Animal Odours
Odours from a dead animal can linger in a moist, humid environment. Moisture intensifies the smell and slows down the odour removal process.
If the affected area has high humidity, consider using a dehumidifier to dry it out.
Mould can also develop in damp conditions, contributing to bad smells, so it’s essential to keep areas like crawl spaces and basements dry and well-ventilated.
Common Reasons Why Animals Die in Homes
Most often, dead animals found inside homes are the result of poisoning. Rodents, such as rats and mice, frequently ingest poison and then retreat to quiet areas to die.
These spots can be hard to reach, such as inside walls, under floors, in attics, or behind kitchen appliances. As the animal decays, the smell worsens, attracting insects and other pests.
Preventing Dead Animals in Your Home
Here are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of animals dying inside your home:
- Seal entry points: Use caulk or other sealants to close off potential entry points.
- Store food properly: Don’t leave food lying around that could attract pests.
- Avoid poisons: Consider using non-toxic pest control options to prevent dealing with the smell of dead animals.
The Risks of Having a Dead Animal in Your Home
While the smell of a dead animal is unpleasant, the risks associated with having a decomposing body in your home go beyond mere inconvenience. Here are some of the dangers:
Water Contamination
As the animal decomposes, its fluids can leak into your water pipes, potentially contaminating your water supply. This can make the water unsafe to drink or use, posing a health risk to your family.
Insects and Scavengers
Flies and other insects are attracted to dead animals. These pests can carry diseases and lay eggs, leading to further infestations.
Additionally, the smell can attract scavengers like cats, dogs, or even larger animals, which could pose a danger to your pets and children.
Health Hazards
The stench of a dead animal can cause nausea and headaches in some people. It’s crucial to get rid of the body quickly to avoid long-term exposure to the foul odour.
Safe Removal of a Dead Animal
Dealing with a dead animal can be hazardous, so it’s important to take the right precautions. If you choose to handle the removal yourself, follow these steps:
DIY Steps to Remove a Dead Animal
- Locate the animal: Follow the smell to identify where the dead animal is hiding.
- Prepare the area: Gather gloves, a mask, and cleaning supplies. Make sure you have a sealed plastic bag or container for the carcass.
- Remove the animal: Once located, carefully place the animal in the bag and seal it.
- Clean the area: Use hot water and a disinfectant to clean the affected area. Dispose of your gloves and clean your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Call a Professional for Assistance
If you’re not comfortable dealing with the dead animal yourself or cannot locate it, it’s best to contact professional pest control services. They will safely remove the animal, clean the area, and offer tips to prevent future problems.
Conclusion
Removing the smell of a dead animal from your home can be challenging, but with the right techniques and professional help, you can restore freshness to your space.
Thorough cleaning, proper ventilation, and the use of natural deodorisers like baking soda and charcoal can help eliminate the stench permanently.
Be proactive in sealing entry points and avoiding poisonous pest control methods to prevent animals from dying in your home in the future.
If the task seems overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek help from experts in dead animal removal for a swift and effective solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Professional Cleaning Necessary To Remove The Odour Completely?
In severe cases, or if the smell persists despite attempts, professional cleaning services with specialised equipment may be necessary.
Can Carpets And Upholstery Retain The Smell Of A Dead Animal?
Yes, porous materials can absorb odours. Steam cleaning carpets and upholstery or using specialised cleaners can help remove the smell.
Are There DIY Solutions To Tackle The Smell In Hard-To-Reach Areas?
Hydroxy and baking soda can be sprayed or applied to affected surfaces to neutralise odours.
Should I Consider Replacing Air Filters Or Purifiers To Combat The Smell?
Changing filters or using air purifiers equipped with activated carbon or HEPA filters can help remove lingering odours.
How Long Will It Take For The Smell To Dissipate Completely?
Proper cleaning and ventilation should gradually lessen the smell over several days. However, it may take longer for stubborn odours to disappear completely.
