Signs of Dead Animal in Wall: What to Watch Out For
When an animal dies inside your wall, the consequences go far beyond a bad smell. The animal’s decomposing body releases odorous substances and infectious bacteria capable of causing serious health risks. Rodents, especially rats, may carry infectious agents like Hantavirus, that can spread pneumonia to humans, which is why it is crucial to act quickly when you find dead animals! With SWAT Wildlife, we offer expert dead animal removal that minimizes disruption and maximizes safety.
Signs of Decay
The most obvious clue of a dead rat in your walls is a strong dead animal odor that has an unmistakable, pungent smell. As the animal’s trapped body decays, there are sulfuric gasses and odorous substances released into the air. This odor may worsen over the decomposition process, and can linger for weeks, particularly during warm weather.
Fluid seepage is another red flag. Body fluids from the decomposing animal may produce stains of brown, grey, or yellow streaking downward on your drywall. Along with discoloration, you might see flies, maggots, beetles, and other insects’ activity, as they are drawn to decaying animal matter, and can locate it long before the human senses.
Pets often sense something is wrong; cats and dogs may whine or paw at the wall. You might also notice high humidity or a musty odor as the chemical reactions impact your home’s air quality.
Why You Should Leave Dead Animal Removal to the Experts
Ignoring these signs comes with unavoidable consequences. If a dead animal is left to rot, it can pose health risks and cause damage to insulation or drywall. Homeowners attempting DIY cleanup without proper personal protective equipment and rubber gloves risk exposure to disease causing bacteria and other hazards.
The quickest and easiest way to handle the situation is by hiring a professional pest control team like SWAT Wildlife to handle your dead animal removal. We take the right approach to safely locate and completely remove the decomposing body using industry-best methods. Our team is trained to find rotting animals in hard to reach places and ensure no contamination remains, all while taking the right steps to prevent future animal infestations.
Post-Removal Sanitation
After professional removal, it’s important to thoroughly clean your house to eliminate lingering dead animal smells and bacteria. Enzymatic cleaners work best for containing enzymes, and breaking down the organic matter left behind from the animal’s body. To further eliminate dead animal smells, place odor absorbers like activated charcoal, baking soda, or even coffee grounds near the site and in nearby rooms. These options help absorb foul smells over time. For added protection, sealing off potential entry points and considering chimney capping is highly recommended.
Don’t Ignore the Signs—Act Now with SWAT Wildlife
If you think you’re dealing with a dead animal somewhere in your house, or are dealing with unwanted wildlife on your property, don’t wait. SWAT Wildlife offers comprehensive dead animal removal and sanitation services to restore your space. Contact us today for safe, effective, and professional help with expertise you can trust.