How to Get Rid of Dead Animal Odor

A dead animal under or around your house is an unpleasant experience for more than one reason. Not only do you have to find a way to dispose of the carcass, but then you have to deal with the lingering, unpleasant smell. Getting rid of the smell can be difficult, especially if the animal was not found for a few days and entered into an advanced stage of decomposition. However, certain household items are extremely effective at neutralizing even the toughest odors and can be used to eradicate the unpleasant odor of a dead animal.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Borax
• Two bowls
• Coffee grounds

Instructions

1. Find the source of the odor. Animals tend to die either in crawlspaces, attics or basements. If the dead animal is still present, dispose of it in accordance with local laws or have animal control do it for you.

2. Pour two cups of baking soda into a bowl, and add a quarter cup of Borax. Mix.

3. Pour two cups of white vinegar into a second bowl.

4. Place a bowl to either side of the source of the smell. Which bowl you place on which side doesn't matter, as long as the two bowls are on opposite sides.

5. Cover the area where the smell is the strongest in coffee grounds.

6. Allow the bowl of white vinegar, the bowl of baking soda, and the coffee grounds to sit for two weeks. Once two weeks have passed, remove the two bowls.

Tips & Warnings

• If you leave a cotton ball dipped in your favorite essential oil next to one of the bowls, it will ensure that the only scent coming from the area is that essential oil.

References

• Tech Letter
• Naples Plus
• Dave's Garden