Do you smell something dead, and fear it’s a rodent like a mouse or rat?
The smell of a dead rodent is very annoying because it’s persistent. As mouse exterminators in Montreal, we’re used to dealing with the aftermath, so we’ll explain how to get rid of the smell!
The corpse of a mouse smells bad
You don’t need us to tell you much about it: the corpse of a mouse releases a very nauseating odor.
The smell of a mouse corpse, like that of any other decomposing animal, is mainly due to the release of various chemical compounds by the bacteria that decompose the body. These compounds include gases such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are generated during the decomposition process, when bacteria present in the dead animal’s body begin to break down the tissues. These gases often have an unpleasant odor, often described as nauseating or putrid.
How long does a dead mouse smell
In general, the smell of death can persist for several days to a few weeks. If the mouse is quickly removed and the area is properly cleaned and deodorized, the odor should diminish considerably within a few days. However, if mouse debris or body fluids are left behind, or if the mouse is discovered in a hard-to-reach area such as the grinder, the odor may persist much longer.
Mouse decomposition time (and rats, just in case)
Under conditions of average temperature and moderate humidity, a dead mouse can begin to visibly decompose within a few days. In 2 to 3 weeks, all that remains are bones and hair.
However, these times will vary according to environmental conditions and the presence of other factors. For example, in very hot, humid conditions, the decomposition process may be accelerated, while in cold, dry conditions, it may be delayed.
Although there is a difference between mice and rats, there is no difference in decomposition time.
Is it dangerous or toxic to breath the odor of a dead mouse corpse?
The smell of a dead mouse can be unpleasant and potentially disturbing, but it’s not toxic to humans per se. In fact, it’s the presence of bacteria and micro-organisms following decomposition that can be harmful to human health. These bacteria can cause illness if they encounter humans. And, if a dead mouse is discovered in a closed or poorly ventilated area, decomposition gases can accumulate and cause respiratory discomfort.
How to dispose a dead mouse
The big question: what to do with a dead mouse if you find one? The answer: it depends. Each municipality has different regulations, and as a good citizen, you’ll need to comply with them. There are 3 ways to dispose of a dead mouse:
- burn it;
- bury it 2-3 feet (5 meters) below ground in a compostable bag in a box;
- dispose of it in the garbage after wrapping it in newspaper, then in an airtight plastic bag.
How do I get rid of a dead mouse smell?
To get rid of the smell, measures such as room ventilation, the use of air fresheners or air purifiers, and above all the rapid removal of the carcass are essential. Effective management of this problem requires swift and appropriate action to restore freshness to your home’s environment, but also because it is one of the mouse odors indicating an infestation.
1. Locate the source of the odor
To effectively get rid of the smell of dead mice in your home, the first step is to pinpoint the source of the odor. Your sense of smell will have to hold out for a few more minutes! Inspect the areas where mice most often hide, such as attics, basements, closets or tight spaces.
If the smell is persistent but you can’t find the body, the mouse may have died in a partition or inaccessible space. In this case, a pest decontamination service is even more indicated, as getting rid of mice in walls is an obstacle course for a novice.
2. Wear gloves and cover your face
To protect yourself from the diseases that dead mice can transmit, you need to protect yourself. It’s a good idea to wear latex or rubber gloves and a breathing mask or scarf covering your nose and mouth. Why should you do this? For the reasons mentioned earlier: being too close to a decomposing body exposes you to harmful microorganisms.
If you have allergies or respiratory problems, we recommend wearing an N95 mask.
3. Remove the dead mouse but avoid direct contact
Use a shovel and a plastic bag to gently remove the dead mouse from where it’s lying. Not your hands! Handle the corpse with care to avoid direct contact with your skin. Place the corpse in an airtight plastic bag and immediately head for the garbage can – a garbage can that’s best placed outside.
NB: don’t use a vacuum cleaner to pick up the dead mouse, as this could spread spores and bacteria into the air.
4. Clean up the crime scene
This can be done in two stages:
- The area where the mouse died is disinfected with a disinfectant such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide ;
- Then clean the area with warm water and soap.
5. Deodorize and air the space
If the smell persists, you can sprinkle the area with baking soda and leave it on for several hours before removing it. Baking soda is the miracle ingredient in grandma’s recipes for getting rid of stench!
Coffee grounds and cloves also work well as natural air fresheners.
Don’t forget to open windows and doors to let fresh air into the room. You can also use an air purifier to remove odors and airborne particles.
6. Use odor absorbers
Natural odor absorbers like activated charcoal, baking soda (again, yes) and cat litter can be placed in bowls or bags and laid out in the affected area. Commercial odor absorbers may be more effective, but they can also be more expensive.
The best way to get rid of odors and rodents: Elite Pest Control
These listed steps remain the initial affair of professionals. Indeed, nothing confirms you’re rid of rodent infestation just by discovering the corpse of a mouse: rather, it’s a sign of an underlying problem, and it’s best to make sure there’s nothing else going on. It’s a step that will benefit you financially. An infestation of rodents can cause major damage to your furniture and electrical installations.
If you’re in any doubt about the source of the smell, don’t hesitate to contact a professional in the field to resolve your animal infestation problem. And if you need immediate service, our emergency exterminators will come to your home as quickly as possible.
