How Bad Do Dead Rats Smell?
WouterDead rats and other rodents produce a strong odor. This odor can last for days, weeks, or even months. Thankfully, there are ways to get rid of the smell. One of the most common ways is by cleaning the area with a chemical odour neutraliser. It’s also possible to get rid of the odor by using essential oils.
The smell of dead rats is the result of decaying flesh. Rat bodies are composed of several different compounds that contribute to this unpleasant smell. Sulfur dioxide, methane, and other chemicals are released from decaying bodies. These compounds can reach up to 1000 feet or 300 meters away from the corpse.
The smell of dead rats will be evident for three to five days after the rodent dies. It may also last as long as two weeks. The exact duration of the odor depends on the temperature and the size of the animal. A single dead rat won’t produce a noticeable odor, but several dead mice in a room can give off an offensive smell for weeks or even months.
The first step in getting rid of a dead rat or mouse smell is to determine where the smell originates. Dead rodents are often located in rafters or in walls and must be exposed to the smell for as long as possible before it dissipates. The length of time a rodent takes to decompose depends on several factors, including temperature, humidity, and accessibility of decomposers.
