How to get rid of dead animals in a wall?

Author: Ms. Ruthe Murphy I  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

It is usually difficult to remove them when they are inside a wall. A room deodorizer might help. The only way to get rid of the carcass would have to be by cutting into the wall. This may be difficult, as the odor may permeate through the walls and it is hard to localize the exact point to cut the wall.

How to get a dead animal out of a 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 animal in a wall to stop smelling?

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.

Is it bad to leave a dead animal in the wall?

Dead animals are best to leave alone. The smell does vanish eventually and the body dries out and becomes just another item that vanishes with time. If its decomposition is staining walls and ceilings then, yes, something has to be done.

Who to call to remove a dead animal in a wall?

To prevent the spread of diseases and parasites, residents should contact Critter Control wildlife removal experts, who are trained to safely dispose of dead animals. Removing animal carcasses will also remove the dangers and possible pest infestations which accompany them.

How To Safely Remove a Dead Animal

How much does it cost to remove a dead animal from the wall?

Your dead animal removal cost will run between $150 and $250, depending on accessibility. You can expect to pay additional fees for animals located in hard-to-reach spots, such as removing critters from your attic.

Can dead animal in wall make you sick?

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.

Will vinegar get rid of dead animal smell?

Vinegar is a popular remedy for removing dead animal odors. It is known for its natural deodorizing properties. To implement this method, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle.

How do I tell what animal is in my wall?

Examine Droppings: As unpleasant as it may be, the appearance of droppings can help identify the animal. Monitor Activity: Note when the noises are most frequent. Sounds in the wall at night usually indicate nocturnal animals like mice, rats, or raccoons.

How do you mask a dead animal smell in the wall?

If the smell is coming from your walls, try stuffing deodorizers or cotton balls covered in deodorizer into holes in the wall or under cracks between the baseboard and floor. Deodorizing options include: Air fresheners and neutralizers: Air freshening sprays, candles, or essential oils can mask the smell temporarily.

How to speed up decomposition of dead animals?

Temperature: The dead animal will decompose more quickly at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the dispersal of odor molecules is stronger at higher temperatures - hotter = smellier. Humidity: Ability to perceive odors is typically heightened at higher humidities.

How quickly does a dead animal start to smell?

Dead animal bodies start rotting and producing unpleasant smells after a couple of days. If you don't dispose of the corpse quickly, the smell can take weeks to disappear.

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

How long will the smell last? Answer: The odor will last about 10 days or perhaps a bit longer. There is no certain way that the dead mouse can be found, and there are no chemicals that will take the odor away.

How do I get rid of animals in my walls?

Mice or rats can be lured out of the wall, into food-baited traps. Getting rid of larger pests usually requires cutting away a section of drywall and snaring the animals with a catchpole. This type of removal is best left to a wildlife removal professional since these animals may attack when disturbed.

Can a dead animal in your vent make you sick?

Dead animals can also carry many viruses and bacteria that will enter the air that's being circulated throughout the living environment. For the well-being and health of everyone in the home, this is obviously a situation that cannot be left unchecked.

What to do when an animal dies in your wall?

1) if dead animal in wall you may use a router to cut through the drywall in the area where smell is strongest. Remove dead animal. Repair wall.

Will Clorox get rid of dead animal smell?

Bleach is excellent for eliminating foul-smelling bacteria, therefore both disinfecting any remnants of a dead rat in addition to removing the undesired smell. Your bleach mixture should consist of 10 parts water to one part bleach. Then, once you have that mixture, all you have to do is wipe down the area with it.

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.

Is it harmful to breathe in dead animal smell?

The smelly carcass is emitting a pungent odour of decay and a "bouquet" of toxic gases like foul-smelling of rotten cabbage thiols, methane, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and pyruvic acid. Well, the smell itself can't really hurt you but your nose.

How to find a dead mouse in your wall?

Trust your sense of smell and follow the odor trail. Pay attention to the areas where the smell is most potent. Shine a blacklight lamp in dark corners, as the fur and urine of rodents can be detected under ultraviolet light. This may lead you to hidden areas where the mouse may have died.

Can animals live in your walls?

In this article

Oftentimes, hearing noises in the wall is the first thing that tips homeowners off to the fact that they have a pest problem. Many animals seek out the voids behind walls to live, because they are warm, easily accessed, and provide protection from predators and humans alike.

What to do if you can smell a dead rat but can t find it?

Try to narrow it down to the smallest area possible. If you can't physically see the rat within this area, then the rat may be in your walls, under your floor or hidden in a hard to reach place.

How to get rid of dead animal carcass?

Three common effective methods of carcass disposal are: incineration, burying, and rendering.

How do you get rid of dead mouse smell in walls?

Coffee grounds are pleasant, powerfully aromatic and absorb odor. Other options that work on that dead mouse smell are charcoal deodorizer bags, Odor Remover Bags, pet odor enzymatic sprays and, if you're willing to spend some money, air ionizer machines.

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