How to Remove a Dead Animal Under Your Deck: The Ultimate Guide
Discovering a foul odor wafting from beneath your deck is a homeowner’s nightmare. That unmistakable smell of decay is a sure sign that an animal has unfortunately perished in the dark, enclosed space under your deck.
This situation is more than just an assault on your senses; a dead animal can attract other pests like flies, maggots, and larger scavengers. It also poses a health risk to your family and pets due to potential diseases and bacteria.
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Why Do Animals Die Under Decks?
Decks provide an ideal shelter for a variety of wildlife. Animals like raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, and even neighborhood cats are often drawn to the dark, quiet, and protected space that a deck provides. They seek refuge from predators and the elements.
Unfortunately, these spaces can also become a final resting place. An animal might have been old, sick, or injured, seeking a secluded spot to die. In other cases, they may have become trapped, unable to find their way out.
Identifying the Unmistakable Odor
The first and most obvious sign of a deceased animal is the smell. The odor of decomposition is potent, sweet, and deeply unpleasant, growing stronger over several days as the decomposition process accelerates. You may also notice an increase in insect activity, particularly flies, around the deck area.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Removal
Removing a dead animal is an unpleasant but necessary task. With the right preparation and a systematic approach, you can handle the situation safely and effectively. Before you begin, it’s crucial to gather the proper safety gear and tools.
Essential Safety Gear and Tools
Your health and safety are paramount. Never attempt this task without the proper protective equipment. The bacteria and potential pathogens from a decaying carcass can be hazardous.
Gather heavy-duty rubber gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and protective eyewear. A respirator or an N95 mask is also highly recommended to protect you from inhaling harmful bacteria and the overwhelming odor. You will also need a shovel or a small rake, a heavy-duty garbage bag (double-bagging is a good idea), and a flashlight or headlamp.
Locating the Carcass
Pinpointing the exact location of the animal can be the most challenging part, especially with a low-clearance deck. Use your nose as your primary guide; the odor will be strongest directly above or nearest to the source. A powerful flashlight will be your best friend in this situation, allowing you to peer into the dark recesses.
If you can’t see the animal from the edges of the deck, you may need to remove a few deck boards. Start in the area where the smell is most potent. This will provide direct access and make the removal process much easier.
The Removal Process
Once you have located the animal, the removal itself is straightforward. Using your shovel or rake, carefully scoop the carcass and place it directly into your heavy-duty garbage bag. Be gentle to avoid rupturing the carcass, which can release more fluids and odor.
After the animal is in the bag, add a generous amount of cat litter or coffee grounds to help absorb liquids and neutralize some of the odor. Securely tie the first bag, and then place it inside a second bag for extra protection against leaks.
Cleaning and Disinfection: The Critical Final Step
Simply removing the animal is not enough. The area where it lay is contaminated with body fluids, bacteria, and insects like fleas or ticks. Thorough cleaning and disinfection are absolutely essential to eliminate health risks and lingering odors.
Create a cleaning solution using a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or use a commercial enzymatic cleaner designed to break down organic matter. These cleaners are highly effective at neutralizing odors at the source. Liberally apply the solution to the affected soil, wood, and any surrounding areas.
Let the cleaning solution sit for at least 15-20 minutes before scrubbing the area with a stiff brush. Be sure to remove any contaminated soil, maggots, or other residues and place them in a separate garbage bag for disposal.
Proper Disposal of the Carcass
Disposal regulations for dead animals can vary by municipality. Do not simply throw the bag in your regular trash can without checking local rules. Some areas require you to take it to a specific landfill or a veterinary office for cremation. A quick call to your local animal control or public works department will provide the correct procedure.
Preventing Future Incidents
Once you’ve dealt with the immediate problem, the next step is to ensure it never happens again. Animals are persistent, and if they found your deck to be a welcoming home once, others will too. This proactive approach is key to long-term peace of mind.
The best way to prevent animals from getting under your deck is to block their access. Use a sturdy hardware cloth or wire mesh with a ¼-inch or ½-inch grid. Dig a trench at least 6-12 inches deep around the perimeter of your deck and bury the bottom of the mesh in an “L” shape, facing outward. This prevents animals from digging underneath it.
You may also notice pests in other areas of your home. Sometimes, critters like mice in walls but not in the house can signal a larger infestation issue that needs addressing. It’s all part of creating a secure home envelope.
Making Your Yard Less Attractive
Animals are drawn to properties that offer food, water, and shelter. Remove potential food sources like fallen fruit from trees, unsecured garbage cans, and leftover pet food. Eliminate standing water, and keep your yard tidy by trimming overgrown bushes and keeping woodpiles elevated.
When to Call a Professional
While many homeowners can handle this task themselves, there are times when calling a professional wildlife removal service is the best course of action. If the animal is large, difficult to access, or if you feel uncomfortable with the process, do not hesitate to call an expert.
Professionals have the training, specialized equipment, and knowledge of local regulations to handle the removal and decontamination safely and efficiently. This is particularly important if you suspect the animal was a skunk, as the odor can be incredibly difficult to eliminate completely.
| Challenge | DIY Approach | When to Call a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Inaccessible Location | Attempt to remove a deck board for access. | The animal is deep under the deck with no easy access points. |
| Strong, Pervasive Odor | Use enzymatic cleaners and air purifiers. | The smell has permeated the house and won’t go away. |
| Large Animal (e.g., Deer, Large Raccoon) | Not recommended due to biohazard risks. | Always for animals larger than a small raccoon or opossum. |
| Signs of Widespread Infestation | Set traps, seal entry points. | You hear noises in walls or see pests inside your home. |
The Lingering Smell
Even after a thorough cleaning, a faint odor may persist for a short time, especially if the decomposition was advanced. Place several bags of charcoal briquettes or containers of baking soda in the area to help absorb the remaining smell. Improving ventilation by opening windows and using fans can also help dissipate the odor more quickly.
Understanding what materials are used in your home’s construction can also be helpful. For instance, knowing the difference between plywood vs sheathing might impact how you approach repairs or odor removal from wooden structures.
If you’re dealing with smaller pests inside the home, such as finding signs of them near your kitchen, you might want to learn how to get rid of mice hiding behind cabinets, as the principles of removal and prevention are similar.
Dealing with a dead animal under your deck is an unfortunate reality of homeownership, but it’s a manageable one. By following these steps for safe removal, thorough disinfection, and proactive prevention, you can resolve the issue effectively and restore your home and yard to a safe and pleasant environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a dead animal under my deck?
The most common signs of a dead animal under a deck are a strong, unpleasant odor and an increase in insect activity, particularly flies. You may also notice scavenger animals showing interest in the area underneath your deck. These signs will intensify as the decomposition process continues.
Is it safe to remove a dead animal myself?
It is generally not recommended to remove a dead animal yourself due to potential health risks. Dead animals can carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans. It is safer to contact a professional wildlife removal service to handle the situation safely and hygienically.
How do professionals remove a dead animal from under a deck?
Professionals will locate the dead animal, safely remove it, and dispose of it properly. They have the right equipment to access hard-to-reach areas, which may involve removing deck boards. After removal, they will often sanitize the area to eliminate odors and pathogens.
How can I get rid of the odor after the animal is removed?
After the animal is removed, you can use several methods to eliminate the lingering odor. You can saturate the affected soil with undiluted vinegar or a solution of baking soda and water. Sprinkling lime over the area can also help to neutralize the smell and aid in decomposition if any organic matter remains.
How can I prevent animals from getting under my deck in the future?
To prevent animals from accessing the area under your deck, you can enclose the perimeter with materials like chicken wire or hardware cloth. Make sure to bury the barrier several inches into the ground to prevent animals from digging under it. Regularly check for and seal any gaps or holes in the skirting of your deck.
