How to dispose of a dead rat in the yard?

Author: Prof. Brice Bogisich  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Disposing of dead rats is important for the health and safety of people, their pets, and wildlife. To properly dispose of a dead rat: Put on protective gloves. Place the rat in 2 plastic bags and throw away in the regular trash.

What to do with a dead rat in the backyard?

Handling a dead rat can expose you to harmful pathogens. To protect your health, contacting a professional dead rodent removal service is strongly recommended.

How to throw away a dead rat?

Transfer the dead rat into a tightly-sealed plastic bag and throw it in your curbside trashcan for the next pick up. Decomposition requires a lot of fresh air and bacteria so depriving it in an anaerobic environment (sealed bag) would ensure it doesn't rot before then.

What to do with a dying rat outside?

Fill a bucket with water and dish soap. Get a shovel. Put the rat in. Most humane way to kill it, much better than letting its insides rot from rat poison. Then bag it and toss it. Use gloves. Rats spread disease, and the scent of a rat attracts other rats.

How do you get rid of a dead rat smell if you can't find it?

You can use natural odor neutralizers, such as vinegar and baking soda to absorb foul smells.
  • Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can help absorb odors instead of masking them. ...
  • Coffee grounds are also an effective tool for absorbing odors. ...
  • Baking soda can come in handy to neutralize unpleasant smells.

Disposing of dead rats

Is breathing in dead rat smell harmful?

The smell of a dead rat can be harmful to a person's health due to the toxic gases and microscopic compounds of the dead animal that are constantly being released into the indoor air. Since most homes are not consistently ventilated, the gases permeate into the respiratory tract and can potentially cause illness.

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.

How long after a rat dies does it start to stink?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A DEAD RAT TO START SMELLING? Somewhere between three and five days.? It also depends on some external conditions such as the humidity and temperature in the place where the rat has died. If it is hotter, the process will be sped up and it will start smelling in no time.

How do you get rid of rats outside humanely?

One humane way to get rid of rats outside is by introducing their natural predators into your backyard. For example, you could adopt an outdoor cat or install an owl nesting box to attract owls to your yard. These predators will scare rats away.

What to do after rat dies?

If you find a dead rat you can double bag it in plastic bags and put it in your normal refuse. If you suspect accidental poisoning, immediately contact your local hospital or your local GP.

Should I remove dead rat?

Is it safe to remove dead rats on my own? Handling dead rats can be hazardous to your health due to the risk of disease transmission. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional dead rat removal service like PGH Pest Prevention to ensure safe and effective removal.

What to do with a dead animal in your yard?

If you have a dead animal on your property, the best course of action is to call a wildlife removal company. However, if you're feeling brave (or cheap), you can try to remove the animal yourself. The key is to use a tarp or plywood to slide the carcass onto so you can dispose of it in the trash.

Will rats leave if there is no food?

Rats will not leave on their own unless they are forced to do so by humans. If you give them a chance to leave on their own they will eventually die from lack of food or water or because of disease or other circumstances that could kill them off quickly before you get rid of them completely.

How to properly dispose of a dead rat?

Putting a dead rat in the bin is not recommended as it can attract other pests and cause a foul smell. Instead, it should be double-bagged and disposed of with regular household waste. It is important to check with your local waste management authority to ensure this method is allowed in your area.

Are dead rats hazardous?

Dead and decomposing rodents are a serious health hazard for you, your family, and any pets you may have. The greatest risk comes from the parasites that the carcasses are hosting, fleas and ticks in particular. Dead rats in your house or garden pose significant health risks that should not be underestimated.

What does it mean if I find a dead rat outside my house?

Symbolic message: In some cultures or belief systems, rats may be associated with specific meanings or symbols. For example, rats are often seen as pests or carriers of disease. The presence of a dead rat could symbolize a warning or a negative omen.

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.

Should I be concerned if I see a rat in my yard?

Rats can cause a surprising amount of damage to property in a short amount of time. Homes, vehicles, and gardens are not safe when rats are around. Rats also pose a health risk because they spread infectious diseases to humans and pets.

What kills rats ASAP?

So What Kills Rats Instantly? The only safe and viable method that will kill a rat instantly is a snap trap. Poisons can take up to a week to kill the rats and other types of traps will not provide an instant kill, and will even cause severe suffering.

How long does it take for a dead rat to get maggots?

The female lays her eggs on or near a decomposing animal, and the eggs hatch within 8-20 hours into larvae, also known as maggots. Maggots are legless and worm-like, with a moist, translucent appearance.

How long does it take for a dead rat to decompose?

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.

How to get rid of the smell of dead rats?

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.

Will a rat eat another rat if it's dead?

Denied food, rats will turn to killing and eating each other, further reducing the infestation. Rats cannot live without food, water, or shelter.

Does human urine attract rats?

Cat, dog, or human hair or urine sprinkled in a garden also appears to have no impact on rats. Beware of anyone claiming they have a secret weapon or chemical that will get rid of rats.

What is the best rat repellent?

These are the top natural rat repellants.
  • Essential Oils. Some of the best oils to repel rats include peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and lavender. ...
  • Garlic and Onion. Unlike most humans, rats detest the smell of onions and garlic. ...
  • 5. Rat-Repelling Plants. ...
  • Predator Urine.

Previous article
What pipes were used in the 1970s?
Next article
How do I make my plant more bushy?