Dead Animal in Wall? Find It Fast With These 5 Steps!

Dead Animal in Wall? Find It Fast With These 5 Steps!

This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step approach to locating and addressing the problem of a "dead animal in wall" cavity. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize odor and potential health hazards.

Step 1: Confirm the Presence and Identify the Scent

Before tearing into your walls, confirm that the offensive odor is indeed a decaying animal and try to pinpoint its general location.

Understanding the Smell

The smell of a dead animal is distinctly pungent and acrid. It’s often described as a combination of rotten meat and ammonia. Compare this smell to other potential sources of foul odors in your home, such as spoiled food or mildew.

Locating the General Area

• Sniffing: Systematically sniff along the walls of your home, especially in areas near potential entry points like:
  • Cracks in the foundation
  • Holes around pipes
  • Unsealed vents
• Time of Day: The odor may be more noticeable at certain times of day, particularly during warmer periods when decomposition accelerates.
• Air Flow: Pay attention to air currents. The smell will often be strongest where air is flowing from the wall.

Step 2: Narrow Down the Location by Room and Wall Section

Once you’ve identified the general area, focus on narrowing down the precise location within that area.

Room by Room Elimination

Systematically eliminate rooms as potential sources. Close doors and monitor the odor in each room. If the smell is absent or significantly weaker in a room, you can likely rule it out.

Identifying the Specific Wall Section

• Use Your Nose (Again): Get as close as possible to the walls, sniffing along baseboards, outlets, and any other openings.
• Consider Construction: Think about the construction of your walls. The animal is likely trapped in a cavity between studs or behind insulation.
• Check Accessible Areas: If you have an unfinished basement or attic, check the walls in those areas that correspond to the location where you smell the odor inside the living spaces.

Step 3: Utilize Visual Inspection and Technology

Enhance your search with visual inspection and readily available technology.

Visual Clues

Look for:

• Stains: Damp spots or discoloration on the wall could indicate fluids seeping from the decomposing animal.
• Insect Activity: An influx of flies, particularly blowflies, can be a telltale sign.
• Wall Imperfections: Bulges, cracks, or other abnormalities might suggest the animal burrowed into the wall.

Technological Aids

• Thermal Imaging: A thermal imaging camera can detect temperature differences within the wall, potentially highlighting areas with higher heat from decomposition. (Rentable from hardware stores).
• Borescope/Endoscope: A borescope (small camera on a flexible cable) can be inserted through small holes in the wall to visually inspect the cavity.

Step 4: Create a Small Access Point

Once you’ve narrowed down the location, carefully create a small access point.

Choosing the Location

• Select a location where the odor is strongest.
• Choose a discreet location if possible, such as behind furniture or in a closet.
• Avoid cutting into electrical wiring or plumbing. If unsure, consult a professional.

Creating the Access

1. Drill a Pilot Hole: Use a small drill bit to create a pilot hole in the wall. This will allow you to get a better sense of what’s behind the wall and further pinpoint the smell.
2. Enlarge the Hole: Gradually enlarge the hole with a larger drill bit or a keyhole saw until you have a small opening, approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.
3. Inspect with Flashlight: Use a flashlight to look inside the wall cavity.

Step 5: Remove the Animal and Sanitize the Area

With access to the animal, proceed with removal and sanitation.

Protective Gear

Always wear:

• Gloves (disposable)
• Mask (N95 or better)
• Eye Protection

Removal Procedure

1. Carefully Extract the Animal: Use tongs or a similar tool to remove the dead animal. Place it in a sealed plastic bag.
2. Remove Contaminated Materials: Remove any surrounding materials (insulation, drywall) that are soiled or have absorbed the odor. Bag these materials separately.

Sanitization

1. Clean the Area: Thoroughly clean the exposed wall cavity with a disinfectant solution.
2. Deodorize: Use an odor eliminator specifically designed for dead animal smells. Consider using an enzymatic cleaner to break down the organic matter.
3. Seal the Wall: Patch the hole with drywall and repaint, or hire a professional to do so. Ensure the area is properly sealed to prevent future entry.

Step	Description	Tools/Materials Needed
1	Confirm presence & identify scent	Nose, awareness of house construction
2	Narrow down location	Nose, patience
3	Visual Inspection & Technology	Flashlight, Thermal Imager/Borescope (optional)
4	Create Small Access Point	Drill, Keyhole Saw, Flashlight, Protective Gear
5	Remove Animal & Sanitize Area	Gloves, Mask, Eye Protection, Tongs, Bags, Disinfectant, Odor Eliminator, Drywall, Paint

So, you’ve tackled the mystery of the dead animal in wall! Hopefully, these steps helped you find the source and get things back to normal. Good luck getting everything cleaned up, and remember to seal those entry points!