Dealing with the odour of a dead animal can be an unpleasant and stressful experience. In Australia, it’s not uncommon for wildlife such as possums, rats, and birds to find their way into homes, garages, and attics.
When these animals perish, they can leave behind a strong and persistent smell. This guide will walk you through the steps to efficiently remove dead animal odour from your property while also highlighting the importance of safety and hiring professional services when necessary.
Let’s get straight to the point
Dealing with dead animal odour in Australia involves locating and safely removing the carcass, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and purifying the air to eliminate lingering smells. Key steps include using enzymatic cleaners, washing affected fabrics, and removing contaminated materials.
Ventilation, odour absorbers, and deodorisers can help freshen the air. To prevent future incidents, seal entry points and eliminate food sources.
For hard-to-reach carcasses or persistent odours, hiring a licensed and insured professional service is recommended to ensure safe and thorough removal.
What Causes Dead Animal Odour?
When animals find their way into confined spaces like walls, attics, or basements, their bodies decompose after death, releasing gases that create an overwhelming stench.
This smell is particularly bad in warm climates like Australia’s, where decomposition can happen rapidly. The odour is not just unpleasant—it can also indicate the presence of harmful bacteria, parasites, or insects like flies and maggots.
Steps to Remove Dead Animal Odour
1. Find the Source of the Smell
The most crucial step in removing the odour is to locate the dead animal. Use your sense of smell to identify the strongest area where the odour is coming from. It’s important to narrow down the search to a specific room or section of your house. Common locations include:
- Inside wall cavities
- Under floorboards
- Behind insulation
- In attics or basements
- Near air vents
- Around plumbing or piping
If the animal is in an inaccessible place, you may need to drill small holes to find it. In extreme cases, hiring a professional dead animal removal service is advisable, as they can locate and remove the carcass safely.
2. Remove the Carcass
Once you’ve located the dead animal, the next step is safe removal. Depending on local regulations in Australia, you may have different disposal options, such as burial, burning, or disposing of it in the trash. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Always wear gloves and avoid direct contact.
- Use a shovel to pick up the carcass.
- If burying the animal, ensure the hole is at least three feet deep and avoid disrupting underground utilities by checking local maps.
- Place the animal in a biodegradable bag before burial.
- If allowed, burning the animal over a fire pit can also eliminate the odour.
If local laws allow, you may dispose of the carcass in a plastic bag and leave it for your regular waste collection service, though this should be a last resort due to health risks.
3. Clean and Disinfect the Area
Once the carcass is removed, thoroughly clean the area to remove any lingering fluids, fur, or debris left behind. This is important for eliminating the bacteria that cause odour. You can use an enzymatic cleaner, which breaks down organic material and eliminates smells. Some effective enzyme-based cleaners include:
- Nature’s Miracle
- Fizzion
- All-Zyme
Let the cleaner sit for about 15 minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Dispose of all rags and other cleaning materials in a sealed plastic bag to prevent further contamination.
4. Wash Any Affected Fabrics
Drapes, linens, and carpets near the dead animal may absorb the odour. If possible, take these items to a professional dry cleaner. Alternatively, you can wash them at home using hot water and one of the following:
- Pine-Sol
- Bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
Be sure to discard any materials that cannot be cleaned.
5. Remove Contaminated Materials
In some cases, animals die in hard-to-reach areas like insulation or under floorboards. If the area is contaminated and cannot be properly cleaned, you may need to remove and replace the affected materials. This ensures that the odour doesn’t linger and helps maintain a healthy environment.
Purifying the Air
Once you’ve cleaned the area and removed the carcass, the air inside your home may still carry residual smells. Here are some additional steps to eliminate odour from the air.
1. Ventilate the Area
Fresh air is essential for removing the lingering stench of a dead animal. Open all windows in the affected room to allow airflow. Setting up fans to circulate air out of the room can speed up the process. This is especially important if the animal was in an area that couldn’t be easily accessed.
2. Use Deodorisers and Odour Absorbers
A range of commercial deodorisers and natural odour absorbers can help neutralise smells. Common odour-fighting products include:
- Baking soda
- Activated charcoal
- Ground coffee beans
- Bleach
Place these substances in bowls or open containers near the affected area, and they will gradually absorb the smell.
3. Freshen the Air
If you want to further improve the smell of your home, consider using air fresheners like:
- Aromatic candles
- Essential oil diffusers
- Herbal sachets (e.g., lavender or rosemary)
These can help mask any remaining odours and create a more pleasant atmosphere in your home.
Preventing Future Animal Intrusions
1. Seal Off Entry Points
The best way to prevent animals from entering your home is by sealing off any potential entry points. This includes holes in walls, vents, and cracks around doors and windows. Make sure to seal all gaps larger than 1.25 cm in diameter using metal wire, concrete, or mortar, as animals like rats can chew through weaker materials.
2. Remove Food Sources
Animals are often drawn to homes in search of food. To prevent them from coming in, eliminate any potential food sources around your property, such as:
- Birdseed and pet food
- Compost bins
- Garden fruit or vegetables
- Standing water
Ensure that your rubbish bins are securely sealed, and clean up any pet waste regularly.
3. Clear the Area Around Your Home
Piles of wood, rubbish, and overgrown vegetation can serve as shelter or hiding places for animals. Regularly trimming plants, cleaning up garden debris, and removing clutter from around your home can discourage animals from making a home near your property.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Dead Animal Removal Service
While some homeowners may prefer to handle the removal themselves, there are several advantages to hiring a professional service in Australia:
- Safety: Professionals are equipped with the necessary tools and protective gear to safely remove decomposing animals, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
- Quick and efficient: Experts can locate and remove the carcass swiftly, minimising the time you have to deal with the odour.
- Thorough cleaning: A professional service will also disinfect the area and ensure there are no lingering smells or contaminants.
Why You Should Choose a Licensed and Insured Service
Choosing a licensed and insured removal service guarantees that the job will be done according to environmental regulations. Licensed professionals are trained to remove animals in a way that protects both your health and the environment, while insured services give you peace of mind that any potential issues will be covered.
Conclusion
Removing dead animal odour is not just about eliminating the smell—it’s about maintaining a healthy, safe environment. Start by finding and removing the carcass, then clean the area thoroughly using enzymatic cleaners and other odour-removing products.
For persistent smells or hard-to-reach carcasses, professional assistance is highly recommended. Additionally, sealing off entry points and eliminating food sources can prevent future issues. With the right approach, your home can return to its fresh, clean state quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Clean And Disinfect The Area Where The Dead Animal Was Found?
Use bleach and water (1:9 ratio) or enzymatic cleaners to disinfect the area thoroughly.
What If The Smell Persists After Cleaning?
Consider using an ozone generator or consult professionals for deeper cleaning or deodorising treatments.
Can I Prevent Dead Animal Odours In The Future?
Regularly inspect your property, seal entry points, and use pest control measures to deter animals from entering.
Is There Any Health Risk Associated With The Odour Of A Dead Animal?
Prolonged exposure to the odour can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues. Prompt removal and cleaning minimise health risks.
When Should I Seek Professional Help?
If the odour persists despite cleaning, if you cannot locate the source, or if the situation seems hazardous, it’s wise to contact odour removal experts or pest control services.
