There are few things in life as unsettling as the unmistakable stench of a dead rat wafting through your home. It starts as a mild, unpleasant odor, but before long, it takes over every room, making it impossible to ignore. If you’ve ever found yourself frantically sniffing around like a bloodhound, trying to pinpoint the source of the smell, you’re not alone.
Figuring out how to find a dead rat in the wall can be a frustrating (and sometimes stomach-turning) experience. But the good news is that with a little patience and the right approach, you can locate and remove the culprit before it turns your home into a biohazard zone.
Signs That a Rat Has Died in Your Wall
1. The Overwhelming Odor of Decay
Let’s be honest—there’s no mistaking the smell of something decomposing. It’s a foul mix of rotting meat, ammonia, and general awfulness. The intensity of the smell increases over time, peaking around day four or five before slowly fading as the body dries out.
2. Increased Insect Activity
If you suddenly notice a swarm of flies in a room with no obvious source, chances are they’ve found the dead rat before you did. Flies and maggots are drawn to decomposing flesh, so an uptick in insect activity is a strong indicator that there’s something rotting nearby.
3. Unexplained Stains on Walls or Ceilings
If decomposition fluids start seeping through drywall or ceilings, you’ll notice dark brown stains forming. This is a clear sign that the body is trapped in the wall cavity and has reached an advanced stage of decomposition.
4. Smell Patterns Change with Temperature and Humidity
Warm weather or increased humidity can intensify the odor, making it more noticeable at certain times of the day. If the smell gets worse when you turn on the heat or run hot water, the rat might be near air vents or plumbing.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find a Dead Rat in the Wall
Step 1: Follow Your Nose
As unpleasant as it is, your best tool for locating the rat is your sense of smell. Start by walking from room to room and identifying where the odor is strongest. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a specific wall, get closer and sniff along the surface to pinpoint the exact spot.
Step 2: Observe Airflow Patterns
Air circulation in your home can mislead your sense of smell. If the odor seems to be coming from a vent, chimney, or plumbing area, the rat might be in a connected space rather than directly inside the wall.
Step 3: Use a Moisture Meter or Infrared Camera
If the smell alone isn’t helping, a moisture meter or infrared camera can detect areas where decomposition is releasing fluids or heat. This can help you zero in on the exact location without randomly tearing into your walls.
Step 4: Look for Entry Points and Droppings
Rats tend to die near their nests or along frequently traveled routes. Look for holes, chewed-up insulation, or droppings to identify where they might have been living before meeting their untimely demise.
Step 5: Perform the Drill and Sniff Test
If you’ve pinpointed the strongest odor on a wall, drill a small hole and take a sniff. The smell will be noticeably stronger if you’re close to the body. If confirmed, it’s time for removal.
How to Remove a Dead Rat from the Wall
Once you’ve located the rat, you’ll need to cut an access hole in the drywall to remove it. Here’s how to do it safely:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
- Disposable gloves and a face mask
- A drywall saw or keyhole saw
- Heavy-duty trash bags
- Paper towels or rags
- A strong disinfectant or enzymatic cleaner
Step 2: Cut an Access Hole
Using a saw, cut a small square in the drywall where the smell is strongest. If the rat is within reach, use gloved hands or a tool to grab it and place it in a sealed bag.
Step 3: Clean and Disinfect the Area
Rats carry bacteria and parasites, so it’s crucial to clean the area thoroughly. Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down organic material and eliminate lingering odors.
Step 4: Patch the Wall
Once the area is clean, patch the drywall using a drywall repair kit and repaint to restore your wall to its original state.
How to Get Rid of the Dead Rat Smell
Even after removal, the stench of decomposition can linger. Here’s how to get rid of it:
- Ventilation: Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air.
- Odor Absorbers: Place bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or white vinegar near the affected area.
- Professional Odor Neutralizers: Use enzymatic cleaners or odor-eliminating sprays designed to break down organic matter.
How to Prevent Future Rat Infestations
Once you’ve dealt with one dead rat, the last thing you want is to go through this nightmare again. Here’s how to keep rats out of your home:
- Seal Entry Points: Close off any gaps in walls, floors, and foundations.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers and keep trash sealed.
- Regular Home Inspections: Check your attic, basement, and crawl spaces for signs of rodent activity.
Final Thoughts
Finding and removing a dead rat is not a task for the faint of heart, but with the right approach, it can be done efficiently. Now that you know how to find a dead rat in the wall, you can tackle the problem before it gets out of control.
If the smell, cleanup, or damage is too overwhelming, consider bringing in professionals. Family First Cleaning & Home Care offers expert cleaning services in Denver to sanitize, deodorize, and restore your home after rodent removal. Because let’s be honest—some jobs are better left to the pros.
