What should I do if I find a dead rat in my yard?

Author: Rosella Cormier  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Soak or spray dead rodents with a disinfecting solution (3 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water or a commercial disinfectant containing phenol) until thoroughly wet and place in a plastic bag. The bag should be placed in a second bag and tightly sealed.

Should I be worried if I find a dead rat in my yard?

Not only does the presence of a deceased rodent in such areas pose health risks, but it can also attract other pests. In such cases, it's vital to consider hiring a professional for dead rodent removal services.

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

How long has it been? The smell should be gone in about 7-10 days. That's one of the reason traps are better. You know where the body is when you get them.

Is it bad to see a dead rat?

Can you get sick from a dead rat? Yes, you can potentially become very ill simply from breathing in the air around a dead rat.

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 to get rid of dead rat smell?

What to do if you find a dead rat?

Place the dead rats in a plastic bag, including their nesting materials, droppings and foods. Seal the plastic bag tightly and do not press the plastic bag to expel the air inside, due to many bacteria or germs that rats might carry.

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 to do if you find a dying rat outside?

If you see a sick or injured rat, please call Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-723-5730.

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 does finding a dead rat mean?

Encountering a dead rat could signify the end of a certain phase or aspect of your life, paving the way for new beginnings and opportunities. Just as the rat has passed away, so too may something in your life be coming to a close, making room for growth and transformation.

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.

Is breathing in dead rat smell harmful?

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.

What are the stages of a dead rat?

Stages of Dead Rat Decomposition
  • Fresh: This stage occurs within the first 12-36 hours after death. ...
  • Bloating: This stage occurs within the first 24-48 hours after death. ...
  • Active Decay: This stage occurs within the first 3-5 days after death. ...
  • Advanced Decay: This stage occurs within the first 1-2 weeks after death.

How to get rid of dead rats in yard?

To properly dispose of a dead rat:
  1. Put on protective gloves.
  2. Place the rat in 2 plastic bags and throw away in the regular trash.
  3. Wash your hands thoroughly.

Should I be worried if I saw a rat in my garden?

Most gardens will have a small population of rats and mice visiting without causing any problems. But if their numbers increase or they start to tunnel under patios, decking or sheds, their presence might cause concern. Rats can pose a threat to small, outdoor pets and will sometimes prey on them.

How do you clean after finding a dead rat?

Clean up dead rodents or nests
  1. Step 1: Wear rubber or plastic gloves.
  2. Step 2: Spray the dead rodent, nest, and surrounding area with a disinfectant. ...
  3. Step 3: Place the dead rodent or nesting materials in a plastic bag along with any used traps. ...
  4. Step 4: Tie the ends of the bag together in a knot to seal the bag.

What should I do if I find a dead rat?

Bin it. A dead rat can be placed in a well-sealed bag and disposed of with your regular household rubbish that ends up in landfill. Just bear in mind that by the time you find it, there a good chance flies have laid their eggs and the corpse will eventually get infested with maggots.

Do rats mourn their dead?

Grieving in Rats

Rats can experience grief after the death of a companion just as humans can. Although rats may not have the intellectual ability to rationalize such a loss, it is clear that they recognize their companion is gone and they can show many of the same physical manifestations that we feel.

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.

Should I help a dying rat?

Please don't try to look after them yourself - wild rodents have very different needs to pet rats and mice, and they need specialist care to give them the best chance of release back into the wild.

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

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.

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 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.

What smell will keep rats away?

Both ammonia and vinegar have sharp, acrid odors that rats detest. Ammonia mimics the smell of predator urine, creating a sense of danger, and vinegar's acidic smell irritates their sensitive noses.

Is rat's Pee toxic?

Contamination of stored foods with rodent feces and urine may transmit disease to both humans and pets. These contaminated foods may carry diseases such as cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and listeriosis.

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