Nothing ruins a lovely morning in the backyard like the gut-wrenching stench of something.. not quite right. You follow your nose, hoping it’s just an old pile of wet leaves, but only to find a dead animal sprawled in the grass. Fantastic. Whether it’s a bird, possum, or something bigger, dead animal removal isn’t exactly a task you can ever find yourself ready for. But leaving it there? That’s a no-go unless you want a backyard full of flies and a smell that’ll haunt your dreams. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to dispose of a dead animal safely, quickly, and (mostly) stink-free.
Assess the Situation
Before touching the carcass, assess the situation carefully.
- Identify the Animal – Check if it’s a small bird, rodent, or a larger animal like a fox. Larger animals may need professional removal.
- Check the State of Decomposition – Fresh carcasses are easier to handle. A decomposed animal may have strong odours and require extra care to avoid contamination.
- Consider the Accessibility – If the animal is stuck under a deck, inside a wall, or in a hard-to-reach spot, professional help might be necessary.
Safety Precautions
Decomposing animals can carry harmful bacteria and parasites. Always take the following precautions before handling one:
- Wear Gloves – Protect your hands from germs and fluids by using disposable or rubber gloves. Never touch the carcass with bare hands.
- Use a Mask – Prevent inhaling bacteria and foul odours. A mask helps with dead animal smell removal and reduces health risks.
- Use Tools – A shovel, tongs, or plastic bags will help you avoid direct contact while lifting or moving the carcass.
- Keep Pets and Children Away – Curious pets and kids might sniff, touch, or even eat the carcass, putting them at serious risk of infection.
How to Dispose of a Dead Animal?
1. Pick Up the Carcass Safely
- Use a shovel or tongs to lift the body carefully.
- If fluids are leaking, place absorbent material (paper towels or old rags) underneath.
2. Securely Bag the Carcass
- Use two heavy-duty plastic bags to contain the carcass.
- Seal each bag tightly to prevent leaks and odours.
3. Choose a Disposal Method
Depending on local laws, there are several safe dead animal disposal methods:
- Garbage Disposal: If allowed in your area, place the sealed bag in your outdoor waste bin.
- Burial: Dig a hole at least three feet deep, away from water sources and gardens.
- Incineration: Some local councils provide cremation services for wildlife.
If you’re unsure about the best option, check with local authorities or pest control for dead animals services.
Cleaning and Disinfecting the Area
After removing dead animals from your yard, cleaning is important to stop bacteria from spreading and to remove any lingering odours.
- Disinfect Surfaces: Mix one part bleach with nine parts water or use a strong commercial disinfectant to kill germs and bacteria.
- Odour Control: For dead animal smell removal, sprinkle baking soda, spray vinegar, or use an enzymatic cleaner to break down odour-causing bacteria.
- Dispose of Used Gloves & Tools Properly: Throw disposable gloves and materials in sealed bags. If reusable, clean them thoroughly with disinfectant before storing them.
Health Hazards of a Decomposing Animal
Leaving a dead animal unattended can lead to serious decomposing animal health hazards, including:
- Bacterial Growth: Carcasses can spread salmonella, E. coli, and other harmful pathogens.
- Parasite Infestation: Fleas, ticks, and mites can migrate from the carcass to your pets and home.
- Pest Attraction: Rats, foxes, and maggots feed on dead animals, increasing the chance of infestation.
Prompt dead animal removal prevents these risks and keeps your home environment safe.
When to Call a Professional?
There are situations where how to dispose of a dead animal may be beyond your capability. Seek help if:
- The carcass is large – Removing big animals like kangaroos or deer is challenging and may require special equipment.
- The animal died from disease or poisoning – Handling such carcasses without proper protection can pose serious health risks.
- The body is stuck in a hard-to-reach place – If it’s inside a wall, under a structure, or hidden, experts can safely remove it.
- There’s a strong odour but no visible body – If you can’t find the source of the smell, professionals can locate and remove it efficiently.
Professional pest control for dead animals ensures safe removal and thorough sanitisation.
Preventing Future Incidents
To minimise the chances of removing dead animals from your yard again, consider these steps:
- Seal Entry Points: Block gaps under sheds, decks, and fences to prevent animals from sneaking in and getting trapped in hidden spaces.
- Manage Waste Properly: Keep rubbish bins tightly sealed and dispose of food scraps properly to avoid attracting scavengers like rats, possums, and foxes.
- Keep the Yard Clean: Remove fallen fruits, pet food, and standing water to prevent wildlife from making your backyard their feeding or nesting ground.
- Regular Inspections: Check crawl spaces, attics, and garden corners for signs of trapped or sick animals before they become a bigger problem.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with dead animal removal is never a pleasant task, but it’s one of those things that just needs to be done. Whether it’s a possum in the garden or a bird near the driveway, knowing how to dispose of a dead animal properly keeps your home safe and stink-free. The key is acting fast before the smell gets unbearable or pests move in. Let the experts take care of the job if it feels too messy, tricky, or just too much to handle. Call True Pest Control at 0480022718 for safe, hassle-free dead animal removal today!
FAQs
Ques 1. Can a dead animal attract snakes to my yard?
Ans. Yes, decomposing carcasses attract rodents, which in turn attract snakes. Removing dead animals from the yard quickly can help.
Ques 2. How long does it take for a dead animal to stop smelling?
Ans. It can take weeks, depending on size and weather. For fast dead animal smell removal, use enzymatic cleaners or call professionals.
Ques 3. Will rain wash away the smell of a dead animal?
Ans. No, rain can actually spread bacteria and make the smell worse. Proper dead animal removal is the best solution.
Ques 4. Can I use lime to help with a decomposing animal?
Ans. Yes, agricultural lime helps speed up decomposition and control decomposing animal health hazards, but it’s not a full solution.
Ques 5. Do flies mean there’s a dead animal nearby?
Ans. Yes, flies lay eggs on carcasses. If you see a sudden swarm, pest control for dead animals might be needed.
