How to Get Rid of Dead Rat Smell & Other Common Odors
Rodent Odors
When you can find and clean the area that the rodent has soiled, that will give the best results to improve the odor problem. Caution: Inhalation of the airborne dust during clean-up is a cause for concern. Make sure to thoroughly wet the area being cleaned with a product such as Invade Bio Zap , Davis Odor Destroyer, or a mixture of ordinary household bleach and water before disturbing the area. Also, wear gloves and a respirator mask to protect yourself.
After the soiled area has been cleaned: When the odor persists after clean-up, the use of a total release fogger or a product such as foam fresh can be used in the area to break down the odor-producing air.
In cases where the soiled area is inaccessible, products containing masking agents can be used to cover up the smell for a while. A popular product for the cover-up is Monterey Odor Mask.
Rodents often die in areas that are difficult to access. Depending on the weather, it can take a long time for the carcass to decompose. On average, decomposition will take a couple of weeks. The smell will be less intense in colder weather, but the animal will produce a smell for a longer duration.
Rodent Removal: As with feces and urine, removing the rodent will eliminate the odor the fastest. Caution: Rodents can carry many different diseases, do not handle them. During disposal of the carcass, use proper safety equipment such as gloves and a respirator.
If you cannot find the dead rodent: An option for odor cover-up is to spray Monterey Odor Mask in the affected area.
Mold Odors
Due to the health hazards presented by mold in living and working spaces, mold removal and remediation procedures are not covered in this article. It is best to consult a professional if you have reason to think mold is present. Mold odors can be covered up for a short duration by a variety of household products. Still, it is advisable to fix the mold problem at its source. Typically mold won't go away on its own.
Drain Slime Odors
Drain slime is a common issue in any drain that typically has organic matter levels passing through it. Examples of drains with organic matter are kitchen sink and garbage disposals, shower drains, and floor drains (especially food establishments).
Luckily there are safe and effective Bio Drain Cleaners that attack the odor-causing microbes in the drain without causing damage to the drain pipe.
Bio Drain Cleaning products are different from the products used to unclog drains. The clog removing drain cleaners often use caustic active ingredients such as Lye or Sulfuric acids. In contrast, Bio Cleaners use microbes to eat drain scum. While Lye and Sulfuric are good at removing clogs, they don't work to clean the organic material that attaches to the inside of the pipe.
Trash Odors
It's always important to remove decomposing trash whenever possible. Still, there are a few products that can help cover up the smell. One effective product for trash cans is Foam Fresh. Spray Foam Fresh on all walls, and the bottom of the garbage can. Another option to eliminate trash smells is to use a Total Release Fogger in the indoor areas affected by the garbage smell.
Cooking Grease Odors
Some restaurant kitchens develop an unpleasant odor from the residual grease that builds up in grease traps, floors, walls, and cooking equipment.
Grease Trap Cleaner: Use Invade Bio Remediation in grease traps as a long term cleaning agent.
Grease Surface Cleaning - Floors, Walls, and Counter Tops: Use Invade Mop Clean on these areas as a long term cleaning solution. Typical degreasers are also useful in removing grease, but food particles often accompany the grease. Invade Mop clean eats through the food particles in food-handling areas.
Written by our resident pest control expert Ken Martin.