How do you get rid of dead rats in the wall?

Author: Hilbert Klein  |  Last update: Sunday, February 22, 2026

Use a drill and drywall or keyhole saw to cut a hole in the wall. Wear gloves, and bag the rat carcass and throw out!

What to do if a dead rat is in the wall?

If there is a dead critter, mark the outline of the panel (as square as possible, and flush with the studs on each side) to remove and have a trash bag waiting. Put on some gloves, cut it out with the jab saw, dispose.

How long does it take for a dead rat in the wall to stop smelling?

On average, a rat takes roughly 2-3 weeks to decompose; however, lower temperatures will increase this time period significantly. Once the body has decomposed, the smell won't instantly leave your home. Instead, the foul smell will still be lingering in your home roughly two weeks later.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a rat in the wall?

Set Up Traps

Setting up traps is another popular method to eliminate rodents because it's quick, easy, and affordable. Traps come in different kinds like snap traps, glue boards, and electronic traps.

How to get rid of dead rat smell in wall cavity?

Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray the solution in the affected area. The vinegar will neutralise the odour and help get rid of the smell.

How to get rid of dead rat smell?

What to do if you can smell a dead rat but can't find it?

Locate the source. As soon as you notice what you think is the dead rat smell, start looking for an increased presence of flies, maggots, beetles and other insects that are attracted to dead animals.

Is it okay to leave a dead mouse in the wall?

A dead mouse should not be left to rot inside your wall, because its corpse could soon attract fleas. With an electronic borescope, you can locate the corpse's whereabouts by drilling a coin-sized hole, a few inches off the ground, into the drywall of the cavity that seems to be emitting the smell.

What to do if you hear rats in your walls?

How Do I Get Rats Out of the Wall Cavity?
  1. Set wooden snap traps along the trails where rats travel. ...
  2. Inspect your home for all possible holes and cracks a rat can enter. ...
  3. Remove or adequately store food sources that may attract rats.
  4. Maintain a clutter-free environment.

What do rats hate most?

Here is a list of what rats hate the most.
  • Ammonia. Ammonia has a potent odor and will deter rats from your area. ...
  • Mothballs. Mothballs are a common repellant used for household pests like rats and mice. ...
  • Domesticated Pets. ...
  • Peppermint. ...
  • Lack of Nutrition and Comfort.

How long do rats stay in walls?

The same colony of rats can survive for years inside your walls as long as they have an entry and exit point.

Is it bad to inhale dead rat smell?

If you've ever faced the unmistakable stench of a dead rat in your home, you know how quickly it can become a health hazard. The lingering smell isn't just unpleasant—it can carry harmful bacteria that could impact your well-being.

Do dead rats attract other rats?

If you can face it, smear the dead rat around the inside of the trap box, or leave the dead animal nearby. Rats are attracted by other dead rats.

What absorbs dead rat smell?

Charcoal briquettes are a surprising yet effective method to remove the dead animal smell. Try placing several briquettes in a bowl and place them where the smell is the strongest. You may need to do this for several days to eliminate the smell thoroughly.

What to spray on a dead rat?

Step 1: Wear rubber or plastic gloves. Step 2: Spray the dead rodent, nest, and surrounding area with a disinfectant. Let it soak for 5 minutes or according to instructions on the disinfectant label.

How long will a dead rat stink in the wall?

Unfortunately it may take three weeks or more to completely decompose. A professional may be contacted to break through and rebuild affected walls. This can be costly and not a viable option. Even after elimination of the source of dead rodent smell, the unsettling scent may linger for up to two weeks.

How to get rid of dead rats?

put the sealed plastic bag containing the carcass into another plastic bag. Seal the outer plastic bag. Dispose of it in a dustbin with cover or at a nearby refuse collection point. To ensure personal and environmental hygiene, wear plastic gloves (and surgical mask, if necessary) before handling dead rodents.

What smell kills rats instantly?

The smell of ammonia is very pungent that it instantly kills rats. 4. Black pepper can also produce a very sharp smell which is harmful to mice and rats. This is a basic condiment because it spices up the food.

What is a rats worst enemy?

Outdoors, rats face a variety of predators. In these environments, large birds of prey — including hawks, falcons and owls — feed regularly on rodents. Owls are particularly formidable predators, as their nocturnal behavior ensures that they are most active when rats go out in search of food.

How do exterminators get rid of rats in walls?

Pest control professionals typically use a combination of methods to address rats in floorboards and walls, even if they haven't come out. This includes baiting, trapping, and sealing entry points. Bait stations with poison are often placed strategically to attract rats inside the walls or floorboards.

How to get rid of rats in house fast?

The best way to get rid of rats or mice is by using traps. If using spring loaded traps for rats, bait three of them in a row without setting them. Bait with dried fruit, peanut butter mixed with oats, or cheese.

What sound gets rid of rats?

Sound to make if you come face to face with a rat

Stomp your feet: stomping is certainly less effective if you are in a carpeted area of your home or outside on your lawn, however, in the right circumstances, a loud stomp coupled with the vibrations through the floor can be an effective rodent deterrent.

Will rats leave on their own?

Unfortunately, when rats or other rodents make their way into your home, they are unlikely to leave on their own. They have found a safe place to nest, a constant source of food and water, and shelter from natural predators.

What happens if a rat dies in your wall?

With several dead rat carcasses in the wall, your house could be smelling horrid for two or more weeks. Moreover, the odour won't go away entirely until the corpse is mummified or decomposed into the skeleton. It could take anywhere from 3 to 4 months for a rat to fully decompose into a skeleton.

How to get rid of dead rat smell when you can't find it?

How to Remove Dead Mouse Smell from Your House
  1. Air fresheners and neutralizers: Air freshening sprays, candles, or essential oils can mask the smell temporarily. ...
  2. Charcoal deodorizer bags: Charcoal traps odors instead of covering them.
  3. Dry coffee grounds: Coffee both covers and removes scents.

How to get rid of rats in the ceiling without access?

First, look for cracks or holes in your walls or ceilings, and seal them with caulk or other materials. You may also need to trim back trees or bushes close to your home, as these can provide rodents with a way to access your roof. Some individuals prefer to try to ward off rats using peppermint oil.

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