There are few household problems more immediate—and unpleasant—than the discovery of a dead animal. Whether it is a carcass found in the backyard or an unidentifiable odor seeping through the walls, the situation requires urgent attention.
For homeowners in Rochester, this is often a distressing reality of living near nature. Wildlife seeks shelter in our attics, basements, and crawlspaces, especially during extreme weather. Unfortunately, animals that find their way in do not always find their way out.
At Town and Country Pest Solutions, we understand that you need this resolved quickly, discreetly, and safely. Here is why professional removal is critical and how our team restores safety to your home.
The Risks of DIY Removal
When you find a dead animal, your first instinct might be to grab a shovel and a trash bag to get it over with. However, handling wildlife carcasses poses significant health risks that standard household gloves cannot mitigate.
Disease Transmission
Even after death, an animal can remain a vector for disease. Bacteria and viruses do not disappear immediately. Handling a carcass without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) exposes you to pathogens that can be transmitted through touch or inhalation of dust and particles surrounding the area.
Secondary Pests
A dead animal is an ecosystem for other pests. As soon as an animal passes, it becomes a beacon for fleas, ticks, mites, and flies. If you remove the animal yourself but fail to treat the area for these parasites, they will look for a new host—often your family members or pets. Professional removal always includes treating the area to eliminate these hitchhikers.
Locating the Source
The most frustrating scenario for a homeowner is the smell of decay without a visible source. You know something has died, but you cannot find it. This usually implies the animal is trapped in a void, such as inside a wall, under floorboards, or deep within insulation in the attic.
Our team at Town and Country Pest Solutions uses specialized methods to pinpoint the location of the carcass. We look for subtle signs that often go unnoticed:
- Staining: Decomposition fluids can seep through drywall or ceilings, creating damp spots that look like water damage.
- Insect Activity: A sudden convergence of blowflies or maggots in a specific room is a strong indicator of a carcass nearby.
- Pet Behavior: Dogs and cats have a keener sense of smell than humans. If your pet is obsessively sniffing a specific outlet or baseboard, they are likely tracking the scent.
We minimize damage to your home during this process. Instead of tearing down entire walls, we use precision techniques to access and remove the animal with as little disruption as possible.
Prevention: Stopping the Cycle
If a raccoon, squirrel, or rat died in your attic, it means there is an entry point somewhere in your home’s exterior. Removing the animal without sealing the hole is a temporary fix. Another animal will eventually find that same opening, smelling the pheromones of the previous occupant.
Town and Country Pest Solutions takes a holistic approach. After the removal, we can inspect your property to identify how the wildlife got in. We offer exclusion services to seal gaps, cap chimneys, and repair soffits, ensuring that your home remains impenetrable to future unwanted guests.
Restore Your Home’s Comfort
Dealing with a dead animal is not a chore you should have to handle alone. It is hazardous, messy, and deeply unpleasant.
If you suspect you have a dead animal in your home or on your property, turn the job over to the experts. We have the tools, the protection, and the experience to handle the situation efficiently. Let us remove the problem and the odor so you can get back to being comfortable in your own home. Contact us today!
