Finding a dead animal in your house is an unpleasant and challenging experience. Aside from the bad smell, the decaying carcass can attract pests and even spread diseases if not removed promptly.
In Australia, where homes can often encounter wildlife such as rodents, possums, or even reptiles, understanding how to properly handle the situation is crucial.
Whether you’re dealing with the issue for the first time or hoping to prevent it from happening again, this guide will walk you through the steps to remove a dead animal safely and efficiently from under your house.
Let’s get straight to the point
Finding a dead animal under your house can lead to foul odours, attract pests, and pose health risks.
To safely remove it, follow these steps: identify the source of the smell, locate the carcass, and wear protective gear during removal. Depending on the animal’s size and location, you may need to dig it out or flush it with water.
After removal, dispose of the carcass per local regulations and thoroughly sanitise the area. If the task is difficult or hazardous, consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service. Prevent future issues by sealing entry points and inspecting your home regularly.
After an Animal Dies Beneath Your House, What Should You Do?
Dead animals beneath homes are not uncommon, especially in rural areas of Australia. Whether it’s a small rodent or a larger animal like a possum, you must remove the carcass to avoid foul odours and maintain the hygiene of your home.
Removing the dead body can be tricky, as it often requires accessing difficult-to-reach areas, but it’s a task that should be handled carefully.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first sign of a dead animal is usually the smell. When you notice a foul odour coming from under your house, it’s important to investigate immediately. Delaying the removal process can result in more pests being attracted to the carcass, worsening the smell and increasing the potential for disease transmission.
Step 2: Locate the Carcass
Finding the animal may not always be straightforward. Animals can enter your home’s crawl space or even the walls, making it hard to pinpoint where they died. Some areas to check include:
- Crawl spaces
- Attic or roof cavity
- Vents and ducts
- Wall cavities
The smell will generally lead you to the location, but if you’re struggling, pay attention to areas where flies or other pests gather, as these can indicate the presence of a dead animal.
Step 3: Prepare for Removal
Before handling the dead animal, ensure you are properly equipped:
- Protective gloves (disposable or thick rubber)
- A mask to avoid inhaling harmful bacteria or odours
- Trash bags or plastic bags for disposal
- A shovel or hoe if digging is required
- Bleach or an enzyme cleaner for sanitising the area
How to Remove a Dead Animal from Under Your House
Once you’ve located the dead animal, it’s time to remove it. Depending on the animal’s size and how accessible it is, the removal process can vary.
1. Retrieving the Animal
If the carcass is near the surface, you may be able to use a hoe or shovel to retrieve it. However, be cautious not to disturb the foundation of your house, especially if digging is necessary. Avoid damaging concrete floors or supports, as this could lead to costly repairs.
If the animal is deeper underground, you may need to dig it out carefully. Fill the hole once you’ve retrieved the body to prevent future access by pests.
2. Using Water to Retrieve the Carcass
In cases where digging is impossible, or the animal is inside a concrete floor, you can attempt to flush the animal out by flooding the tunnel. By locating the entrance to the animal’s tunnel, you can pour water into it, forcing the carcass out the other end. This method works particularly well with rodents.
3. Burying the Tunnel
If retrieving the carcass is impossible, you may need to bury the tunnel where the animal died. Fill in the entrances and exits to the tunnel with dirt, and consider adding deterrents like pepper, ammonia, or mothballs to prevent future animals from using the same tunnels.
Proper Disposal of the Carcass
After removing the dead animal, it’s important to dispose of it following local council regulations. Wrap the carcass in a plastic bag and place it in your bin, or contact your local waste service for advice on animal disposal.
Sanitise the Area
Once the carcass has been removed, it’s crucial to clean the area thoroughly. Use a bleach solution or a commercial enzyme cleaner to eliminate any lingering bacteria or odour. Disinfect any tools used during the removal and dispose of gloves and masks properly.
What Happens if You Don’t Remove the Carcass?
Failing to remove a dead animal can lead to several problems:
- Persistent odour: The smell of a decaying animal can linger for weeks or even months.
- Health risks: Decomposing bodies can harbour bacteria and diseases that may pose a risk to your family.
- Attracting pests: A dead animal can attract flies, maggots, and even larger pests like rats or wild dogs.
If you cannot handle the removal yourself or the smell becomes unbearable, consider calling a professional wildlife removal service.
When to Call a Professional Animal Removal Service
In some cases, it may be best to leave the removal to the professionals. Wildlife removal services are trained to handle dead animals safely, ensuring the process is done quickly and hygienically.
1. Expertise and Equipment
Professionals have specialised tools and equipment to locate and remove carcasses, even in hard-to-reach places like crawl spaces or wall cavities. They are also equipped to handle larger animals, such as possums, which may be more challenging to remove on your own.
2. Preventing Future Issues
A professional animal removal service can also help you identify entry points used by animals and offer solutions to prevent further infestations. They may also repair any damage caused by the animal, ensuring your home is secure from future intrusions.
3. Safe Disposal
Professional wildlife removers follow strict protocols for disposing of carcasses, ensuring the process is handled safely and in accordance with local regulations. They can also clean and sanitise the affected areas, removing any potential health risks.
Factors Affecting the Odour of a Dead Animal
Several factors influence how long the smell of a dead animal lingers:
- Animal size: Larger animals, such as possums or rats, produce a stronger, longer-lasting odour than smaller animals like mice.
- Location: The smell will be more intense in poorly ventilated areas, like under floors or in wall cavities.
- State of decomposition: The odour peaks during the early stages of decomposition and begins to fade as the body dries out.
- Temperature and humidity: Warmer temperatures accelerate decomposition, intensifying the smell, while cooler, dry conditions can slow down the process.
Preventing Future Animal Intrusions
Prevention is key to avoiding the problem of dead animals in your house. Here are a few steps to take:
- Seal cracks and gaps: Use caulk to seal cracks in the foundation and around windows and doors, preventing animals from entering your home.
- Install screens: Ensure all vents and crawl spaces are covered with secure screens.
- Regular inspections: Periodically check your home’s exterior for signs of animal activity, such as droppings or damage to insulation.
Conclusion
Dealing with a dead animal under your house is an unfortunate but not uncommon situation, especially in Australia. By following the correct steps, you can safely remove the carcass and prevent future issues.
Always wear protective gear, clean the area thoroughly, and consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service if the task becomes too daunting. Taking these precautions will not only help maintain the hygiene of your home but also protect your family from potential health hazards.
By staying vigilant and ensuring your home is properly sealed, you can avoid the unpleasant task of removing dead animals in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can The Smell From A Dead Animal Under The House Go Away On Its Own?
Over time, the odour may dissipate, but it could take weeks or even months. Removing the animal speeds up the process and prevents further issues.
How Do I Prevent Animals From Getting Under My House In The Future?
Seal all potential entry points, such as wall gaps, vents, and foundations. Regularly inspect these areas and address any new openings promptly.
Is It Common For Animals To Die Under Houses?
Yes, especially in colder months or during breeding seasons. Animals might seek shelter and, unfortunately, get trapped or die for various reasons.
Will Removing A Dead Animal Attract More Animals?
It’s possible, as the scent can attract scavengers. Properly sealing entry points and promptly removing the carcass can prevent this.
Should I Contact Authorities Or Professionals For Help?
If unsure or uncomfortable handling it yourself, it’s best to contact pest control, animal control, or a wildlife removal service. They have the expertise and tools to handle it safely.
