Updated: Sept 7, 2023
Few things are worse than having a rodent reside in your home. These tiny creatures like to hide from humans, making them difficult to find and effectively remove. The presence of a dead rodent smell is a sure sign that you’ve got a pest problem, and locating the source can drive you mad. When you’re having pest problems, it’s always best to call the pros at EcoCare Pest Control. But here are a few tips to eliminate a rodent smell yourself.
Locate the Source
To find the source of that awful dead rat smell, look for evidence they’ve left behind. Mouse droppings, urine, and paw prints are all sure signs that a mouse or rat has been nearby. Unfortunately, rodents can access areas that are hard to get to, including inside your walls, under floorboards, and even inside vents.
Start by looking in common places where rodents like to hide. Check:
- inside kitchen cabinets and bedroom closets
- under the sofa
- in the attic
- in your air ducts
- in the crawl space
If you’ve scanned your entire home and still can’t find the source of the stench, our team of experts has over 22 years of experience helping homeowners across Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA.
How to Make Things Smell Better
The best way to get rid of a rodent smell is to locate the source, remove it, and clean the area, but that’s not always possible. Luckily, the smell will dissipate over time, and with a few tips, your home will smell fresh in no time.
Clean Things Up
If you find the source of the smell, carefully remove the dead rodent, preferably with a pair of gloves, and place it in an airtight bag. Once this is done it’s best to dispose of it by putting it in an outside garbage. Then use a bleach solution to disinfect the area, which will effectively remove the smell. Finish things off by spraying the area with white distilled vinegar. This will remove any lingering smells and any bacteria that were left behind.
Ventilation is Key
Open windows and doors to allow air to circulate throughout your home, especially if you’ve had to use a bleach solution. If you’ve got a dehumidifier, use it to help disperse the smell of cleaning products and rodents. If the weather permits, turn off the air conditioner or heater to avoid recirculating the bad smell throughout your home for a bit.
Deodorize the Area:
There are several ways to neutralize the smell of a dead rat. Consider the following products:
- Air fresheners
- Air purifier machine
- Charcoal deodorizer bags
- Coffee grounds
By utilizing these products, you’ll be able to quickly neutralize the smell quickly.
Preventing Future Smells
The best way to avoid the smell of a dead mouse is to keep your home rodent-free. Follow these steps to keep mice and rats from entering your house:
- Seal access points like under doors, foundation vents, inside pipes, and even gutters
- Clean up crumbs and spills in your kitchen as soon as they appear
- Keep your trash securely closed
- Seal food containers so they’re mouse-proof
By making your home harder to enter and less appealing in the first place, mice and rats will steer clear of your house and look for an easier source of food and shelter elsewhere.
Contact EcoCare Pest Control if you Think you Have a Pest Problem
If your home has been infiltrated by a dead rat smell, don’t wait another minute. Contact the pros at EcoCare Pest Control for a free inspection today. We’ll provide a thorough look at your home to determine the source of the smell, and we’ll offer a free quote on pest removal. We’ve got over 20 years of experience in effective pest control, and we’re confident that we can solve your rodent problems quickly and completely.
