Dead Animal Removal

Our Dead Animal Removal Process

The hardest part is finding it. The smell tells us it is there, but locating a dead animal inside a wall or ceiling requires experience. We use flex cameras, scent tracking, thermal imaging, and our knowledge of how different species travel through structures to pinpoint the location. Occasionally test holes need to be opened to assist in the discovery process.

Once located, we make a small, controlled opening to access and remove the carcass. We minimize wall or ceiling damage and can often access through existing openings like vent covers, attic hatches, or crawl space entries.

After removal, we sanitize the area with antimicrobial treatment, apply odor neutralizer, and seal the entry point the animal used to get into the structure. If the death was caused by poison (a common scenario with rodents), we recommend switching to our poison-free rodent control program.

Where Dead Animals Are Found

Inside walls. The most common call. Usually a mouse or rat that was poisoned and retreated into the wall to die. Sometimes a squirrel or bird that entered through a gap and could not get out. We open the area, remove the carcass, sanitize, and reseal properly.

In attics and crawl spaces. Raccoons, squirrels, and birds that die in attics. Often discovered by smell or by flies in the living area below. Animals living in the attic can occasionally die after ingesting old poison, or of various diseases such as rabies.

Under structures. Opossums, skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, and other animals often die under porches, decks, and sheds. The smell is usually most noticeable in warm weather. These animals are often injured by predators or dying of an illness and seek a safe shelter to die.

Chimney. We get many calls for dead raccoons and dead squirrels in the chimney during baby season. Often these critters fell in and couldn't climb back out. Noise in the chimney should never be ignored. We extract through the cleanout door or roof access and install a chimney cap to prevent recurrence.

Dryer vent or exhaust fan. Common with starlings and squirrels nesting in vents. We extract the dead animal and the nesting material, then install a screened vent cover.

In yards. Deer, raccoons, and other animals found dead on the property. These animals can be hit by cars, killed by predators, or dying of disease. We handle carcass removal and disposal for residential and commercial properties.

Odor, Flies, Bacteria & Secondary Pests

A decomposing animal creates a potent odor that permeates the surrounding structure. The smell attracts blowflies, which lay eggs that hatch into maggots. Maggots and adult flies can migrate into living spaces.

Decomposition fluids stain building materials and can seep through drywall. Bacteria from the carcass can create health hazards, especially in enclosed spaces. Professional sanitization after removal is not optional.

If you suspect the animal died from poison, that poison is still present in the carcass. Pets and children should be kept away from the area until the animal is removed. Learn why we use a poison-free approach for rodents.

How long does dead animal smell last?

Times can vary greatly by species. With small rodents such as mice the length of time the smell will stick around can be measured in days and weeks. With larger animals such as raccoons, the smell can last for months.

Depending on where the carcass is located, the odor may come and go depending upon temperature and humidity.

The only reliable way to remove the odor is to first locate and remove the carcass. Afterward we treat the areas with enzymatic odor neutralizers that can actually remove odors rather than temporarily masking them.