How To Clean Up After A Dead Animal In Your House?

Cleaning up after a dead animal in your house is a challenging and unpleasant task. While it may seem overwhelming, approaching the situation systematically and safely is the best way to handle the problem. Whether the animal has died inside your home or in your attic, walls, or under the floorboards, the proper procedure for removing the body and cleaning the area is crucial for your health and safety.

This guide will outline the steps to safely and effectively clean up after a dead animal, including how to handle the situation with the necessary precautions and how to properly disinfect and remove any unpleasant odours.

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Tips For Cleaning Up The Dead Animal In Your House

Step 1: Assess The Situation

The first thing to do when you discover a dead animal in your house is to assess the situation. Try to determine how the animal died and how long it has been there. Knowing the timeline will help you gauge how badly the area might be contaminated with germs or bacteria. If the animal has been there for a while, it is likely to have decomposed, making the cleaning process more challenging.

It is important to remember that animals such as rodents, possums, and birds often carry diseases and parasites, including ticks, fleas, and mites. Therefore, it’s essential to take the proper precautions to avoid exposure to these potential health hazards.

Step 2: Gather The Necessary Supplies

Before you begin cleaning, ensure you have the necessary tools and protective equipment. The supplies you need include:

• Disposable gloves (latex or nitrile)
• A face mask (preferably an N95 mask to filter out airborne particles)
• Trash bags (preferably double-bagged for safety)
• Disinfectant or antibacterial spray
• Paper towels or absorbent cloths
• Shovel or long tongs (to safely move the dead animal)
• A large plastic container or box (for placing the animal)
• A broom and dustpan (for cleaning up any debris or small bits)
• Deodorising spray or odour neutraliser (if needed)

Having everything prepared before you begin will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Step 3: Wear Protective Gear

When handling a dead animal, always wear protective gloves and a face mask to reduce the risk of contamination. This is especially important if the animal has been dead for an extended period and has decomposed, as there is an increased risk of exposure to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Make sure the gloves are tightly fitted to prevent contact with the animal or any fluids.

If you are handling the body directly, avoid touching it with bare skin. Always handle the animal carefully to avoid squeezing or causing the release of fluids. The smell from the decomposing body can also be unpleasant, so wearing a mask can help minimise exposure to odours and particles in the air.

Step 4: Remove The Dead Animal

Once you are fully prepared, it’s time to remove the dead animal. If the animal is visible and accessible, you can simply pick it up carefully using the shovel, long tongs, or any other long implement. Place the body gently into a trash bag.

If the animal is inside a wall, attic, or other hard-to-reach space, you may need to find a way to access it, such as removing a vent or ceiling panel. In some cases, it might be best to call in a professional pest control service if the animal is particularly difficult to remove.

If the animal is in an inaccessible area, such as under the floorboards or inside the walls, it may be necessary to call in an expert to assist with removal. Some dead animals may emit a foul odour as they decompose, which can spread throughout your home, making it harder to pinpoint the exact location of the body. It’s worth seeking professional help if you cannot locate or safely remove the animal yourself.

Step 5: Dispose Of The Dead Animal

After carefully placing the animal in a trash bag, seal the bag securely. Double-bagging the body ensures that any fluids or bacteria from the dead animal won’t leak out. You should then dispose of the body according to local council regulations.

In many areas, councils may provide specific guidelines on how to dispose of dead animals safely. For example, you may be required to take the animal to a local landfill or contact animal control for pick-up.Be sure to follow any guidelines to avoid potential health risks and environmental contamination. If you are unsure about the proper disposal method, contact your local council for advice.

Step 6: Clean And Disinfect The Area

Once the dead animal has been removed, the next step is to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area. This is crucial, as bacteria and germs from the animal’s body can linger, posing health risks.

Start by wiping down all surfaces the animal came into contact with. Use a disinfectant that is effective at killing bacteria and viruses. Focus on areas where the animal may have been nesting or areas where fluids may have leaked, such as floors, walls, and ceilings. Use paper towels or absorbent cloths to clean up any mess and dispose of them immediately in a sealed trash bag.

It is also a good idea to use an antibacterial spray on any surfaces that the animal may have crawled on or touched. Make sure the disinfectant is safe to use on all materials in your home. Pay particular attention to floors and carpets, as these surfaces can absorb fluids from a decomposing animal. For persistent odours, an odour neutraliser can help.

Consider using a specialised pet odour neutraliser or deodorising spray. Ventilate the room as much as possible by opening windows and using fans to help remove lingering smells.

Step 7: Dispose Of Contaminated Items

If any items or materials were contaminated by the dead animal, they should be disposed of. For example, if you use towels or rags to clean up any fluids, these should be thrown away or disinfected thoroughly. If you used a cloth to wipe the animal, it may need to be disposed of as well.

In some cases, carpets or furniture that has been heavily contaminated may need to be professionally cleaned or replaced. If the odour is persistent, even after cleaning, you may need to seek the help of a professional cleaning service.

Step 8: Prevent Future Incidents

Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, it’s time to focus on preventing future animal invasions. Identifying and sealing any entry points around your home will help prevent animals from getting inside. Check around your home for any cracks, gaps, or holes in the walls, roof, windows, and doors. Seal these areas with caulk or weather stripping.

Ensure that vents are securely covered with mesh, and any gaps around pipes, cables, or wires are sealed.If you had a rodent or possum infestation, it’s worth considering setting traps or using deterrents to ensure no more animals enter your home. You may also want to regularly inspect your home for any signs of pest activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests.

Step 9: Seek Professional Help If Necessary

If you’re not comfortable handling the situation on your own or if the infestation appears to be extensive, don’t hesitate to seek professional pest control or cleaning services. Professionals are experienced in dealing with dead animals and the risks associated with cleaning up.

They can also help with removing any remaining pests and ensuring your home is safe and sanitary.

Pest control professionals can also help with providing ongoing services to prevent future animal intrusions, such as installing rodent-proofing measures or setting up traps.

Conclusion

Cleaning up after a dead animal in your house is undoubtedly unpleasant, but it’s important to tackle the job as soon as possible for your health and safety. By wearing protective gear, carefully removing the body, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and preventing future incidents, you can manage the situation effectively.

Remember, while it’s possible to handle the clean-up yourself, don’t hesitate to call professionals if you feel uncomfortable or if the animal is difficult to remove. Taking the right steps to safely handle the situation will help restore your home to its former condition and keep it free from potential health risks.

Frequently Ask Question

How Do I Prevent Animals From Dying In My House In The Future?

To prevent animals from entering your home, inspect your property for potential entry points such as gaps in windows, doors, vents, or roofs. Ensure all gaps are sealed properly. You should also remove any food sources that could attract pests and trim back any overgrown vegetation near your house. Regular maintenance and pest-proofing can help keep your home animal-free.

What If I Smell A Dead Animal But Can’t Find It?

If you smell a dead animal but can’t locate it, the first step is to check accessible areas like attics, basements, and behind furniture. If you cannot reach these spaces, contact a pest control expert who can use specialised tools to find and remove the animal. The smell will persist until the animal is removed, so it’s important to address the issue quickly.

Should I Remove A Dead Animal Myself Or Hire A Professional?

It’s often safest to hire a professional, especially if the animal is in an inaccessible area, or if you’re concerned about contamination or injury. If the animal is in a reachable area and you are confident in your ability to safely remove it, you can do so yourself. However, always wear protective gear and disinfect thoroughly after handling the body to reduce health risks.