If you’ve ever caught a foul whiff in your home or noticed flies gathering in one spot, chances are you’ve got a dead animal somewhere on your property. Whether it’s a possum in the roof or a rat under the deck, this is one of those problems you need to deal with quickly. Here’s your go-to guide on what to do if you find a dead animal, how to clean it up, and when to get professional help.
Why Dead Animal Removal Shouldn’t Be Ignored?
Dead animals decompose quickly and bring with them harmful bacteria, bad odours, and pests like flies and maggots. If fluids seep into your walls or insulation, the smell can linger for weeks. That’s why it’s important to remove dead animals from property as soon as possible. In fact, not acting fast can lead to long-term damage, expensive repairs, and even health issues for your family.
How to Tell There’s a Dead Animal Nearby?
You don’t always see the animal, but you’ll usually smell or hear something that gives it away. Look out for:
- A strong, persistent rotten odour.
- Unexplained flies or maggots inside your home.
- Pets scratching at or fixating on walls or ceilings.
- Odd stains or leakage marks on walls or roofs.
- Scratching noises that suddenly go quiet.
These are telltale signs that you may need a dead animal cleanup service or at least an investigation.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove a Dead Animal from Property Safely?
If you’ve found the body and feel confident doing it yourself, here’s how to proceed:
- Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself.
- Place the carcas in a double-sealed plastic bag.
- Use a strong disinfectant to clean the area thoroughly.
- Check your local council’s rules on carcas disposal.
- Wash up properly after handling the situation.
Keep in mind: if you’re dealing with dead animal in roof removal, it’s best left to professionals. Confined spaces can be risky and may spread odours throughout your home.
How to Get Rid of Dead Animal Smell?
Even after you’ve removed the body, the odour can stay behind. Here’s how to get rid of dead animal smell effectively:
- Air out the area by opening windows and using fans.
- Sprinkle baking soda or use vinegar to neutralise odours.
- Use commercial odour removers or charcoal bags.
- Steam clean carpets or upholstery if needed.
If the smell doesn’t go away after a day or two, it’s possible some tissue remains. In such cases, contact a professional dead animal removal company.
When to Call in the Professionals?
Here’s when you shouldn’t attempt a DIY fix and instead bring in the experts:
- You can’t locate the carcas but smell something foul.
- It’s a large animal, like a possum or cat.
- The animal is in your roof, walls, or another tight space.
- You’ve had multiple occurrences of dead animals.
- There’s visible leakage or biohazard risk.
A professional dead animal removal service will come equipped with all the tools and protective gear to safely handle the situation, including thermal scanners and specialised cleaning equipment.
Common Animals Found Dead on Properties
You might be surprised by how often these cases occur in Aussie homes. Frequent offenders include
- Possums are often found in roof spaces; contact a dead possum removal service immediately if you suspect one.
- Rats and mice are usually found in wall cavities or under the floorboards.
- Birds sometimes get stuck in chimneys or roof gutters.
- Cats or stray animals may crawl under homes or sheds and die unnoticed.
Whether it’s large or small, always treat the situation as a health risk. A trusted dead animal cleanup service can manage the removal and sanitisation process in one go.
When Is It an Emergency?
Some situations just can’t wait. You’ll need emergency dead animal removal if:
- The smell is overwhelming and spreading quickly.
- There are signs of maggots, leakage, or contamination.
- You suspect the animal is affecting your air conditioning or ducting.
- You have children or pets in the house.
Most emergency dead animal removal services operate 24/7 and will prioritise your call, especially in summer when decomposition happens fast.
How to Prevent It from Happening Again?
To avoid having to remove dead animals from property more than once, take a few precautions:
- Block any gaps or holes around your roof, vents, or foundation.
- Trim trees and vegetation touching your roof.
- Avoid leaving pet food or rubbish outside.
- Use mesh to block chimney or gutter access.
- Schedule periodic inspections of the attic, roof, and crawlspaces.
Keeping animals out is much easier than dealing with them after the fact, especially when it involves dead animal in roof removal or under-floor cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to safely remove a dead animal from property helps protect your home from bad smells, germs, and unwanted pests. But if the job feels too tricky or the smell just won’t go away, it’s best to call in the pros.
At True Pest Control, we’re here to make the whole process quick and easy for you. Need urgent help? Call us now at 0480022718 for fast, reliable dead animal removal anytime, anywhere.
FAQs
Ques 1: Can I use air fresheners to mask the smell after removal?
Ans: No, air fresheners won’t solve the issue. To really get rid of dead animal smell, proper cleaning and odour treatment are needed.
Ques 2: How long does it take for the smell to go away?
Ans: Without proper treatment, the smell can linger for weeks. Call a dead animal cleanup service for deep cleaning and odour removal.
Ques 3: Is it safe to remove an animal during pregnancy?
Ans: No, it’s risky. Pregnant women should avoid contact and call a professional dead animal removal service to stay safe.
Ques 4: Can a blocked vent mean there’s something dead inside?
Ans: Yes, odd smells from vents may mean you need dead animal in roof removal or duct inspection by experts.
Ques 5: Do possums die in the same spots often?
Ans: Yes, they return to familiar spaces. Regular checks and a dead possum removal service can help stop repeat issues.
