How to deal with a dead mouse smell coming from the walls?

I’ve noticed a strong smell coming from my walls and am worried that it might be a dead mouse. What do dead mice smell like - and how can I best remove it?

If you’re noticing a strong, unpleasant odor in your home, it could definitely be a dead animal. Mice and rats in particular can die inside walls or crawlspaces, and the scent is usually sour, rotten and tends to linger for days. 

The odor is much the same whether it’s a dead mouse or another small animal. The only way to know for sure is by locating—and removing—the source.

Should I wait for the dead mouse to decompose?

A dead mouse will eventually decompose, but the process can take several weeks, and during that time the odor from gases and fluids released during decomposition can be very strong. In some cases, the smell may last until the carcass is fully dried out. 

Because of the odor and the risk of bacteria, relying on natural decomposition isn’t recommended, animal removal is the safest and most effective method to tackle the issue. 

How to get rid of the smell from a dead mouse

The only way to get rid of the smell is to remove the source of it. This means locating the source of the smell and removing the carcass. It may be tempting to turn to DIY options like a mouse glue trap or mouse bait stations, but these can leave you with the same problem: a rodent dying in an inaccessible spot and creating odor issues. 

Because handling a dead animal carries health risks, it’s best not to attempt it yourself. A trained expert knows how to locate the source of the smell, clean the area, treat any active infestation, and provide prevention and exclusion advice - so you don’t have to deal with this unpleasant issue again. 

Need help tackling a tricky rodent issue? Give our rodent-proofing experts at Western a call today.