Having a wild animal get into your home is one thing; to have it get in and die is a whole other story. Seeking food, water, or shelter, an animal may find its way into your home or business—and when it can't escape, find food, or eats poisoned bait, the animal passes away. Because the full range of natural decomposers and scavengers can't get to the body, it begins to emit an awful smell that is extremely difficult to get rid of. The process of removal sometimes requires cutting into the walls. When done by yourself or the wrong technician, it can create more problems than it would solve.

That's why it's important to call Critter Control of Hamilton County. Our technicians have the training and the tools to effectively locate and remove dead and decomposing animals. 317.953.2523

How to Identify Dead Animals in your Home

  • The most obvious identifier that you have a dead animal in your home is the consistent, vile odor of decaying flesh. 
  • You can identify dead animals in your house by the general appearance of an animal carcass depending on the type of animal and how it has been dead. 
  • Some wildlife animals you may come across include squirrels, bats, chipmunks, mice, rats, various species of birds, raccoons, and skunks.
  • Wildlife often dies in isolated places with forms of cover/shelter so be sure to check places like inside building walls, barns, sheds, basements, and crawl spaces.

Dead Animal Prevention

  • After removal of the dead animal, your home could potentially be at risk for other wildlife to be drawn in by the smell of the decaying corpse. The best way to prevent this would be to call us today if you have any concerns.

  • Some tips to help prevent the wildlife animals from getting in your home are: 

    • Replacing broken windows and doors

    • Using secure lids on trash cans

    • Removing debris and trash from your home and yard

    • Consistently cleaning basements and attics 

The Dangers of Dead Animals

A horrible, constant smell isn't the only downside of having an animal dying in the walls. Learn more about potential dangers when it comes to dealing with wildlife critters:

  • Ticks and Fleas—Wild animals carry all kinds of parasite insects. When their host is dead, ticks and fleas are actively looking for another food source. That could mean your family or pets. 
  • Diseases—Because these parasite insects can latch on to a host in your house, they may spread diseases to whoever their next victim is. 
  • More Wildlife—Although we might find the smell revolting, other animals designed to consume rotting flesh, find it extremely enticing. The longer the smell lasts, the more chance of wild animals smelling the corpse and repeating the process. 
  • Property Damage—A decomposing body can ruin carpet, wood, and other materials. It is important to get dead animals out of your house fast.
  • Handling dead animals and exposing unsuitable burial sites could result in contamination of groundwater and should be only done by professionals, to ensure safety and sanitary disposal of any dead animals and avoid any issues that might occur.

When you smell something that isn't quite right, call our office as soon as possible. Critter Control of Hamilton County can find the root of the problem and eliminate it, today. We're here to help! 317.953.2523